Harry Stapleton

MARION -- Harry Lee Stapleton, 82, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 8:37 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, in Marion Rehab and Nursing Center.

He was born Nov. 6, 1928, in Marion, the son of Charley and Clella (Solomon) Stapleton.

Harry was united in marriage to Cleta Mae Dryden on Sept. 1, 1950, in Marion, and together they shared more than 60 years of marriage.

He answered the call of his nation and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Oct. 29, 1951, being stationed in Anchorage and Nome, Alaska, and in the Bering Straits, serving in the Military Security Service during the Korean War. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged Oct. 28, 1955.

After returning from the service, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Marion for 34 years, serving as an assistant superintendent of mail and window clerk until his retirement in 1987.

He was a faithful member of First Church of God of Marion, where he served and worked in all areas of the church. He served as an adult Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent; served on and was chairman of both the church council and the church board, served on the building fund committee and at one time was church youth director.

He loved music and sang for 50 years in the church choir and had been a member of both the church quartet and trio. In addition to his devoted church work and singing, he enjoyed working in his yard and traveling. Harry and Cleta always enjoyed their winter trips to Fort Myers, Fla., where they enjoyed the Florida beaches, sea shelling, fishing off the dock and deep sea fishing.

Harry always enjoyed the company of his family and many friends and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Cleta Stapleton of Marion; brother and sister-in-law, Billy Joe and Jeannine Stapleton of Marion; sister-in-law, Betty Rutherford of Nashville; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; other extended family; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant children, Melody Lynn and Gregory Lee Stapleton; five sisters, Dimple Fuller, Verna Phillips, Verda Stapleton, Pauline Horsley and Janette Stapleton; and two brothers, Earl and Elmer Stapleton.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, in Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., in Marion, with the Rev. Keith Heberer, the Rev. Paul Ramsey and the Rev. Jim Burchett presiding. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

For additional information or to leave an online condolence or memory, visit www.wilsonmcreynolds.com.