Birth date: Sep 24, 1949 Death date: May 22, 2014
William Emery Stapleton was born on September 24, 1949, in Buffalo, New York, to William Daniel and Edyth Elizabeth (Emery) Stapleton. Bill married Beth Mitchell on June 17, 1972, in Buffalo, NY. He retired from the U.S. Army as L Read Obituary
Beth, so sorry to hear so late of the shocking news of your loss. I just happened to Google Bill & saw the obituary. It's so hard to lose a loved one all too soon and apparently so suddenly. It's sad that time and distance have separated us. If you're still seeing this write back to [email protected] or call us at our still in service 734-459-3033.
BETH, Jon, Wes, Travis. My heart and prayers are with you. Travis, you may be the youngest, but you were so strong when you shared the sad news with me Friday. Beth I have great respect for Bill, he was always available to talk with me,counseling me I and never expected anything in return. I will always remember Bill as a wise man, great business head, never at loss of words. He helped me in many ways. My heart is very heavy in his passing. Beth, as I told you today, im here for you if you need anything. Your boys I know are your anchor. You are so fortunate just have them and your grandchildren.Yes as you told me, you never got to say goodbye. That hurts but you have I know great memories.Just know our God is still a loving God, always ready to hear our hurts and sorrows and wants to be are constant friend, He loves us unconditionally. I have to remind myself of that fact daily. May God surround you your family with His loving arms. Dan W.Ward
Beth, just received the news today (June 11) about Bill and feel a deep vacancy in our lives. His adventures and experiences kept us listening for more. He was to be respected, not for what he said, for what he had done and proven for himself. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to you, your sons and their families. Oh goodness! he gave us trusted directions and valuable advice. We will miss him. Look for peace with the One who will never leave or forsake you. The Evans, Prague, OK
Jon, Wes, Travis and Mrs Stapleton, I am so sorry to learn of Mr Stapleton's passing. Although I am no longer close to your family, I still consider you friends and I offer my sincerest condolences. I always respected Mr. Stapleton, he sure could command it without demanding it. I'll always remember his answering the phone with a "yello!"
Bill was fun. Bill was a great colleague. If you knew Bill you will have many memories. If you knew Bill he will have taught you something you will never forget, he will have left a mark on your life. I am so sad he is no longer with us, I will never forget him. My heart goes out to Beth and his family.Vicky D-W
Bill was a great friend to our family. Bill invited us over for an afternoon by the pool on many occasions. I enjoyed talking to Bill about business, stocks, horses, travel, etc. Bill knew a lot about a lot of things! Bill enjoyed life and enjoyed his family and friends very much. Denise and I spent a week on Aruba with Bill and Beth in 1998. I spent a whole day with Bill snorkeling and having umbrella drinks at the beach-side bar. We had a great time just hanging out and seeing as many fish as we could. Bill will always be remembered as a special friend to our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Beth, Weston, Jonathan, Travis and the rest of the Stapleton family. Greg, Denise, Kayla and Ryan Magnuson
I've only known Bill for a few years – but he quickly became a good friend. I think Grant has done an outstanding job of describing the essence and energy of Bill. I feel very fortunate to have shared a small piece of his life.
Remembering Bill When I think of Bill Stapleton I think of a life force. I never met a man I could describe as more energetic, more self confident, more bold, or more alive. He was a force. He always had some ideas he was working. After a few minutes, he'd have you believing in whatever he was describing. Everything Bill did, seemed to be on a grander scale. If Bill decided to collect bourbons, he needed to have the best bourbon collection in Oklahoma, but it turned in to the best scotch collection, the best wine collection. Everything was outsized with Bill. He would always set stretch targets and then usually exceed them. He was "all-in" on life and life's challenges and adventures. One of his last big challenges was rebuilding his house after the tragic loss of his home and almost all possessions to a fire. He set a target for rebuilding, and then set out to make it happen. Most men would have hired someone – gone off to enjoy retired life by travelling a lot, visiting friends and spending time with the grandchildren. Bill made himself the general contractor and terrorized the local residential building industry for a year while solving every challenge and demanding excellence from every party associated with the project. In routine Bill fashion, he got the job done. Bill was fearless. While serving as a lieutenant with Bill in Hawaii, I witnessed him running a secure facility. One day the Battalion Executive officer , a major, three ranks higher than Bill, came to visit. Bill responded to the call from the gate that the XO didn't have proper clearance and couldn't come in. Irate, the major gave Bill an order – let me in. Bill just waited for a second and said "Sorry sir, I can't and won't do that." Of course, he loved telling that story, but I can verify, it was true. Somehow he survived. On reflection, I really just think of Bill as a great friend, the best of friends. No matter how many years passed by before getting together, Bill picked back up as if it were yesterday. He was just fun to be around. He always was doing something, into something, or drinking something. He cherished Beth, who somehow found the strength to keep up with Bill through all of the adventure. My heart goes out to her now. I will miss Bill immensely. I feel hurt and angry that God reached down and took him away so abruptly. But somehow I have to believe God needed him for some special project that he was having trouble getting done or convincing the saints to go along with. Well, I pity those who may doubt Bill's ability to get the job done in heaven. I can picture him shaking things up a bit and driving through all obstacles to get that special heavenly job done. I look forward to hearing him tell us all about it some day. Miss you and love you Bill. From a lonely friend, Grant
To the Stapelton family – my deepest sympathies. I met Bill at TDK's 40th reunion and spent quite a bit of time talking to him. He gave me some great advice both personally and professionally. I am glad I had the opportunity to get to know him. Sincerely, Mike Vaughan, TDK Spring 82
Dear Beth and Family, Please accept my heart felt condolences on Billâ??s passing. He was an important part of my memories of Clarkson and TDK. I was fortunate to get to spend time with you both when you visited Buffalo in 2010. Take care! Steve D.
