Carl B. Staplin

Dear Phyllis, I just now saw this and send my deepest sympathy. As you know, Carl and I were friends at Yale, and he turned pages for my master's recital. He was a fine man and good friend. Dorothy Young Riess

Dear Phyllis, Elizabeth and Bill,
I was very sorry to hear of Carl's passing. He was truly a wonderful man – a one of a kind. I must say he was quite an inspiration for me when I was his organ student at Drake in the early to mid-1980s. In addition to teaching me the organ, he also taught me to love the music of the great masters and the importance of my role as interpreter of those great works. We kept in touch over the years long after my years at Drake and appreciated the Staplin family...

Dear Phyllis, It was an honor and privilege to have known Carl, a joy to listen to his music, to hear a true master play the organ, and to have worked with him on Amahl and The Night Visitors presented at the First Christian Church some years ago. I knew I was in the presence of a gifted musician/composer and a gentle spirit, a humble and kind man, and a man of the highest integrity. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Dear Mrs. Staplin, Elizabeth, and Bill,
I am so saddened to hear about the death of Carl. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was such a kind and encouraging man. I am so happy to say that I have known him all my life. I loved going to church at First Christian Church and hearing his beautiful music. What an inspiration. I also remember his music at my wedding. It was such a happy day for us. I will remember him always. .

Mrs. Staplin, Elizabeth, Bill:
I will not be able to attend the service today but please know that you and your families are all in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and I will never forget the beautiful music played at our wedding, thanks to Carl. He was such a kind person and will be missed by many. Love to you all.

I remember Carl from my visit to Des Moines with the Drogheda Brass Band in 1977. He was a lovely, encouraging man and I'm proud to say that I knew him, if only briefly.

Dear Phyllis, Liz and Bill,
We were so sad to hear of Carl's passing. Although we only met him a couple of times, he obviously was a remarkable man.
Our thoughts are with you.
Love, Julie and Bob Gorn

I so fondly remember Dr. Staplin from when I was a student of Dr. Biel at Drake University. He was a most extraordinary musician and such a wonderfully kind man. I also attended First Christian Church and was fortunate enough to hear him play so many times both at Drake and at church. I extend my greatest sympathy to your family. How blessed you have been to have him in your life.