Jack R. Stapleton, 84, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at his home.
Born on May 18, 1937 in Elkhorn City, Kentucky to a coal miner, he was the son of Hansel and Nora (Maynor) Stapleton. Jack was born and raised in the hills of Eastern Kentucky and even though he has not physically been there in years, his heart never left.
He graduated from Elkhorn City High School in 1955. On July 5, 1956 Jack enlisted into the Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic and was honorably discharged after four years of service. Serving our country in the Air Force was one of the things that Jack was most proud of in his life.
Jack would work for United Telephone as a manager for 30 years and would retire in 1994. His whole life he was dedicated to serving others. For 20 years he would volunteer at the Hospital and would receive the award for Volunteer of the Year in 2001. Being a cancer survivor himself, he gave back to others by serving and volunteering countless hours to the cancer center and was known for passing out Reese’s to everyone that passed by. He also volunteered at the Marshall County Health Center, the Plymouth Public Library, and he had also been a member of the Blueberry Festival Board for more than 20 years.
To his family he was the rock that was strong through everything that happened in life. He was a great listener if anyone needed just to talk. Sometimes a little rough around the edge, but never went without telling his family that he was proud of them and never ceased to tell them he loved them.
Although divorced from his wife Vida, they remained best friends. Jack never missed a birthday or a holiday with his family. He would visit Vida through the window at the nursing home throughout covid.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church
He is survived by his daughter, Daphne Stapleton of Plymouth; son David Stapleton of Plymouth; ex-wife Vida Creed; brother Jim (Tava) Stapleton of Elkhorn, KY; sister Helen Potter of Crestline, OH; grandchildren: Jillian Smith, Ricky (Brittney) Elm and great-grandchild Don Fox Elm.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Lloyd Stapleton, Bobby Coleman, Reable Robinson, brother-in-law Donald Potter, son-in-law Pedro Vasquez, and Vida’s husband Don Creed.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021 from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Toni Carmer officiating.
Please click the link below to live-stream the memorial service on Monday, September 13th at 1pm:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85365823639
Burial will be in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Military Funeral Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 400 N Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Jim Smart says
Dave, Daphne, and Vida,
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing.
My deepest sympathy to you and your whole family.
May God give you strength in the days to come.
My prayers to you both and Vida for peace through the love that you shared.
Peace in Christ!
Jim & Kathy Smart
Candy Bottorff says
So sorry. I have no words that would help at this time.
Kelly Howard says
Such a wonderful man who lived a beautiful accomplished life.
Lyn Ward says
Jack was one of the kindest most considerate people I’ve ever known. Loved that he still visited his ex-wife. 🙏
Kathy Parker says
Daphne, We are so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Please accept our sincere condolences during this very difficult time.
Don and Kathy Parker
Jacki Larimore says
Prayers for strength and peace to you all. Jack was the most sincere and sweetest man I know.
Jacki & Tracy
Kevin and Donna Chaney says
Dapne, so sorry to learn of your father’s passing. We served together on the Blueberry board and enjoyed some good laughs together. He was such a nice man. May the good memories carry you through this difficult time.
Monika Stapleton-Dudley says
Dear cousin…thank you so much for the ,emories you shared with me of my dad….Rest in Paradise….
Bob & Donna Taber Whitmer says
Deepest condolences on the loss of dear Jack. May he soar with the angels! 🙏
Darlene Speiglr says
Remembering good times with Jack and Sandy. the Speigles
Jere Humphrey says
Jack and I were friends. Neighbors for awhile. I always enjoyed meeting up with him because we had good natured antagonisms for each other. He was genuine. Our condolences.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
A kind man, who gave to others, with his heart.
Joseph Serovy says
Prayers for the family. Rest In Peace.
Jarid Blackburn says
Jack was a really nice guy. Said hello to me, and asked how my family was whenever we say each other. He also waved at me every time he saw me outside of my house. He was a man who never let anything stop him. I hurt for his surviving family. Know though that he has now gone on to a long deserved rest to await the day of the return of our Lord.
May the Lord bless you all, and keep you all. May the Lord lift up his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May The Lord lift his countenance upon you, and bring you peace…
Jarid Blackburn says
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, honored, elevated and luaded be the Name of the holy one, Blessed is he – above and beyond any blessings and hymns, Praises and consolations which are uttered in the world. Amen.
Nelson Chipman says
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He gave many great support and comfort during their own treatments, including me. Jack is an inspiration; there will never be another.
My best.
Patty Cummins says
So sorry for your loss!
Hugs and prayers!
Patty Cummins
Annette Sharpe says
My heartfelt sympathy, Daphne, David, and Vida for your loss. Jack was a great guy and one that I have many great Plymouth memories of him.
Ann Wujcik says
Jack was a very kind man! Our patients looked forward to seeing Jack, and receiving a Reese’s peanut butter cup! We will miss his visits, his kind, compassionate words of hope and wisdom for our patient’s. Godspeed Jack!
Ann, RN OCN
Michiana Hematology Oncology
Barbara Pearson says
Daphne and David, your dad shared a good many memories with my late husband, Larry, when they both worked for United Telephone. Jack was always well thought of and always good for a laugh. May your memories bring you much peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Barbara (James) Pearson
Paul, Colleen & Amy says
Dear Daff and David & families
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, grandfather, great grandfather, Jack was one of the kindest people I have ever met, always a smile and hello, how are you.
The world lost a very good man and lord knows we need all we can get. I know that the many memories that you all shared with him will keep your hearts full for a very long time.
God Bless
Suzanne Gibson says
THE MEMBERS OF THE VFW AUXILIARY 1162 IN PLYMOUTH INDIANA
ARE VERY HEART BROKEN TO HEAR OF JACK’S PASSINGS
AND WE WANT TO THANK HIM FOR HIS HONORABLE SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
I KNEW JACK FROM THE HEALTH CENTER EVERY TIME I WOULD COME IN THERE I WOULD SEE HIM ALWAYS WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE
I MISS THAT SMILE WHEN I GO IN TO THE OFFICE THESE DAYS
GOD SPEED JACK !
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY 1162
CHAPLIAN & SECRETARY
vfwpost1162@gmail.com
Judith M. Price says
Daphane and David, I apologize for not staying. It was too painful for two reasons.
Jack was the last of the group of people I knew when I lived in Plymouth, and he kept me informed when each of them passed. Now that he also has passed, I have lost my Plymouth connection, and that saddens me. You both have my heartfelt sympathy.
The other reason I could not stay is because it brought back memories of my only child’s funeral from this funeral home.