Thomas ‘Bill’ Stapleton Jr., 80

Born: Aug. 22, 1932

Died: March 17, 2013

 

Thomas William “Bill” Stapleton Jr., 80, of Cassopolis, died Sunday morning, March 17, 2013, at his residence.

Tom was born Aug. 22, 1932, in South Bend, Ind., to Thomas and Marjorie (Rettic) Stapleton.

He married Pamela Jo-Anne Huff on June 15, 1952, in Cassopolis. She

preceded him in death on Nov. 7, 1993.

He was also preceded in death by: his parents; one grandson, David McGrew; two sisters, Dorothy Goodhue and Mary Ferguson; and one brother, Frank McKaye.

Tom served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed history and lived for the History Channel, especially shows about nature and science. He watched anything that had to do with the solar system, the oceans and animals.

He was a lifelong resident of Diamond Lake and died where he lived, overlooking the lake. He was a member of Peninsular Lodge 10, F.&A.M., Dowagiac.

Tom will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by: three daughters, Pamela (Lloyd) Montgomery of Cassopolis, Dianna (Gary) McGrew of Cassopolis and Bonnie (Tim) Lawson of Cassopolis; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); and one brother, Andy (Jean) McKaye of California.

Family and friends will gather at 2 p.m. Friday at the graveside in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, 61453 M-51 North, Niles, with Pastor Mike Owen officiating. Mr. Stapleton will be laid to rest with full military honors beside his late wife, Pamela Stapleton.

The family prefers memorial contributions to Cass County Parks and Recreation, 120 N. Broadway St., Suite 209, Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online memories and messages of sympathy may be posted at: wagnercares.com.