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FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Morris Sons Funeral Home - Kettering

1771 E. Dorothy Lane

Dayton, Ohio

Chad Stapleton Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

STAPLETON, Chad 0. Age 34 of Centerville, died Saturday May 22, 2004. He is survived by his parents, Greg & Kathy Stapleton of Centerville, one son, the light of his life, Chandler Nester and a sister and brother-in-law, Heather & David Martin of FL., Grandmothers, Virginia Nolte and Lorraine Stapleton, both of KY. Chad is also survived by his girlfriend, Mara Jones and her two children whom he adored, Jenna & Mason. Also survived are several aunts, uncles, other relatives and numerous friends. Funeral Service will be held 10:30 am. Wednesday May 26, at MORRIS SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1771 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering. Burial will be held Thursday, May 27 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Olive Hill, Kentucky, where a graveside service will be held at 12 noon. Family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on May 24, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Chad Stapleton

Sponsored by Heather Martin, Chad's sister.

64 Entries

Heather Martin

May 21, 2024

Twenty years you've been gone. It doesn't seem possible, but my heart knows that it is true. You are missed every single day. I hope that one day we will meet again. All of my love to you now and always.

Mara

May 18, 2024

Chad,
I just had some old VHS-C tapes (I didn´t know what was on them) put on a flash drive. When I finally got a chance to see what was on the tapes, there you were. Larger than life just as if you were here. I miss you, I miss your laugh, your smile, the way you could reassure me that everything was going to be ok. I miss our walks, our talks, our plans, I miss it all. Jenna got married last year, Chandler is so grown up. Two beautiful children of his own and even though he´s been through more trauma than any one person should have to endure, he´s strong just like you and such a great role model for his babies. He is still, and will always, walk, talk, look, and act just like you. I was watching the videos with Jenna and she said it´s almost eerie how similar you two are. Mason has lost a lot of his baby memories of you, it breaks my heart, but he was so young. But we still talk about our times together and he watched the videos too. I will make sure he remembers you always. I still think of you and our time together and am grateful every day that I had the time that I did, with you. You will always be in that special place in my heart where no one else can go.

I love you

Heather

May 23, 2022

Another year has passed and you are not forgotten. Always in my heart. I miss and love you.

Heather

May 21, 2021

It’s been much too long since I’ve talked to you. I miss you. Look after Chandler and the grand babies. Hug Momma for me. I love you, Chady.

Chad Shonkwiler

May 20, 2021

You are missed, you are loved and you are not forgotten my old friend.

Kerry Beth Bryant

May 23, 2020

16 years. Still think about you every day and speak of you often. I know that you and your mom are having some great times together and watching over your dad, Heddy, Chandler, Jenna, Mason, and your beautiful grandbaby. Miss all of you so much. Hugs and love always...

Heather Martin

May 22, 2019

Not a day goes by when you arent on my mind. I miss you all the time. I miss the future that you were supposed to have. I hope you can see... see that even though life has gone on that you were never ever forgotten. I hope you see that you occupy so much of our lives, hearts and minds. I hope you see that your little boy now has a little girl. And she is beautiful! Youd be so proud of Chandler. I hope you see that David & I are building a farm. I hope you see Mom and Dad are still Mom and Dad I hope you see youve been with us every step of the way and always will be. I love you, Chad.

Chandler Nester

October 2, 2018

hey dad its me again i just wanted to inform you that you are now a grandfather! on september 29 bailey and myself had a beautiful baby girl. her name is Nova Scarlet. we agreed to name her that because of the Nova that you drove in high school.
im doing well im an full time mechanic working on semi trucks all day and still playing with pickup trucks in my spare time. you would love my project truck i have now! its a 1977 chevy k10 with 38 inch super swampers. i cant wait until Nova is old enough to help me in the garage!
I look forward to raising her with the same values that you and mom instilled in me. you know shes going to grow up with a crazy obsession of cars like you, grandpa and myself have. i cant wait to watch her grow up. i promise she will know everything about you and i promise that you will NEVER be forgotten. your legacy lives through me every day. i try every day to make you proud.
I cant wait until we meet again i have so much to tell you. i wish i could talk to you for just a minute. i know that you watch over me each and every day. grandma swears that i am a mirror image of you. she says the way i walk, talk, think and everything else i do is just like you.
I love you dad i cant wait until we meet again. please watch over Nova and keep her safe just like you have always kept me safe.
-Love chandler

February 26, 2016

Hey Chad, Just got a call from your little boy.
There aren't many 20 year olds who call their grandparents every week. You would be so proud of him. In a lot of ways, he is like you.
Wish you were here to see him. I wish you love where ever you are! Miss you.

Heather Martin

February 25, 2016

Hi Bubby,

I miss you every day. I just wanted you to know that. I wish I could talk to you; even if it was only for a few moments.
I love you so much.
Heddy

Molly Miller

December 16, 2014

Dear Chad,
I know you don't know who I am but I am Chandler's girlfriend and I have been in the picture for a while now. I have no clue where to start so I guess I will start with thank you. Chandler is such an amazing guy and I could not of asked for a better guy to have beside me each and every day of my life. I still remember the first time he told me. I felt so bad and I just help him. He means the world to me. There has been many days that I wonder what type of man you would be but then I look at Chandler and I realize I have already met the mirror image of you. Chad, you have everything to be proud of Chandler and I cannot thank you enough for the amazing young man. I cannot wait till the day we meet! Thank you for him!

May 22, 2014

10 years. Seems like yesterday. Love & hugs to you & your loved ones...

Chandler Nester

December 19, 2013

Hey dad im just checking in again. You are still on my mind each and every day. You might not like it but i do have a ford truck now but i do think that you would like it. Grandpa does anyway. I picked you to be my guardian angel because i know no matter what i did you would always be there for me. I love you dad with all my heart and i always will. You will never be forgotten.

Chandler Nester

October 30, 2012

hey dad i just wanted you to know that i think about you everyday. im doing really good in school and got the old white truck doing good. i love you and i hope to again see you one day when we go back to the way things used to be

September 18, 2012

Happy birthday, Chad! Your memory still burns bright as ever. We miss you!

Mara Jones

May 25, 2010

Chad,
I spent the day Saturday, thinking about what we might be doing if you were here and I found myself smiling. You always made me smile. The weather was warm and you loved being outside on days like that. Watching Mason out on the ball field, I couldn't help but think you would've been standing right at the fence watching him. I saw Chandler about two weeks ago and he's grown so much. At this rate, I think he might be taller than you. :) Every time I look at him it's like your here again. He is the spitting image of you in body, mind and soul and I love every minute with him. Jenna and I talked about you a lot last weekend and it seems like there's alway something that makes us think of you and smile. I'm sure by now you would have gotten in a couple of rounds of golf with your dad and we would have taken the kids on a walk or to the park or something. I love hearing people talk about you, it keeps you close to me. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I love you and miss you still very much. You are alway with me.

Love,
Mara

Heather Martin

May 24, 2010

Always in my heart, Chad!

Kerry Beth Bryant

May 22, 2010

We still think about you every day. It's incredible how many people still remember that this was the day, 6 years ago, that we lost you. I am honored that I still get to tell your story to people who might have heard about you but didn't get to know you personally. We still think about you & your beautiful family so often. I pray that everyone has smiled today with wonderful memories of their precious time with you.

I must have heard 10 songs today that remind me of you (mostly Def Leppard & an Ozzy song that always reminds me of your mom). I usually hear at least one song every day that reminds me of the time in my life when I was privileged to know you. Thank you (& your family & friends) for the memories.

God speed...

Love, KB & family

Mara Jones

May 22, 2009

Chad,
It's been 5 years and it still seems like yesterday. The pain of not having you with us is still here. Mason asked if you could hear him when he said his favorite color is green and Jenna wanted to take today off of school. I just look at your pictures and talk to you and cry.My heart still hurts. We all miss you so much Chad! That sparkle that you always had in your eyes will never go out for us. I miss you terribly.

Love,
Mara

Mara Jones

March 3, 2008

Chad,
It's finally starting to warm up again and I'm thinking about you as always. How you loved to get out and play soccer with Chandler and Mason or go roller blading with Jenna, or just take a walk with the family. There just isn't a moment of my day that you don't still touch. Your bright eyes and loving smile brought joy to my life and the lives of the kids. I miss you.

Love,
Mara

kathy (mom) stapleton

September 19, 2007

Honey, I sat up until 1:07 am to wish you Happy Birthday. Ive been reminiscing all week, your Dad too. Everyyear I would ask you what you wanted for your birthday and every year you would say a new pair of sneakers. I never realized what a shoe horse you were until we went to the Nike store at the outlet mall. Shoes, shoes everywhere. You were like a kid in a candy shop.
That's what your Dad and I miss-that enthusiasm for life! In my minds eye , I see you walking up the driveway. What I would give to see you do that one more time. You are in our hearts everyday. Love you.

Mara Jones

September 19, 2007

Happy Birthday Baby! I was just thinking about your birthday at Applebees. When I had the waiters sing to you and you were so embarassed, and your mom, dad, and I were laughing. But you were smiling. I wish we had more of those days. I miss you Chad! We all do. I love you!

Love,
Mara

Heather Martin

September 18, 2007

Happy Birthday, Chady. Remember your birthday at Malibu!! I was just thinking about it. You had soooo much fun and I was so jealous because I couldn't drive the cars. Geez, you were probably like 12 or 13. I miss you so much. We all do. I love you. Happy Birthday!

Kerry Beth Bryant

May 22, 2007

Thinking about you. Missing you. Wish we could go grab a beer today. You know you are still such a big part of every day for so many of us. It is pretty astonishing when I sit & think about it. Mara & I still talk about you like we see you every day. Can't help but smile at that. You've really left a legacy...beyond The Chad...
;^)

Much Love Always,
~KB

Heather Martin

September 18, 2006

Happy Birthday, Chady! I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you, but then I always am. We all are. I miss you so much. I just wish I could give you a big hug. Dave and I were just talking about you last night. I was telling him how we used to play football in the snow and how you'd get mad at me for tagging along. It always ended with you putting snow down the back of my snowsuit, me crying the whole way home and you getting in trouble once you got home. Aww the good old days :)

Weird, the things you remember and miss. Tonight I'm making a pineapple upside down cake. Then I think I'll enjoy a slice of that and wash it down with a cold beer in honor of your birthday! I got you a card too...but I don't know where to send it.

I had to laugh this morning; I am absolutely positive that Granny was the very first person to wish you Happy Birthday this morning.

I love you Bubby. Happy Birthday!

Kerry Beth Bryant

July 21, 2006

Chad,

It seems just yesterday that we were all hanging out at the apartment...Mara & I sitting on the couch...you sort of hanging on the door frame in front of the dining room (leaving a TON of fingerprints, by the way :^). I never could resist asking you if your mother really let you out in public dressed that way (Michigan everything). They way we used to tease you about wearing your shirt or not. Thank you for those memories & so many more that I could never list here. I would've expected for Greg, Kathy, Heather, Mara, Chandler, Jenna, Mason, & I to still see you everywhere, but my kids still see you everywhere, too. To me, that speaks volumes to how you impacted everyone around you. I still look in every green Blazer that I see. Every now & again, I see a tall, dark, handsome guy in a shirt & tie with black shades on. It makes me smile every time.

Def Leppard will FOREVER symbolize you to me now. I still have memories of fantastic things from my high school days that Def Leppard reminds me of, but nothing like the fun times that were much more recent.

I'm so sorry that I didn't have the opportunity to know your family before that fateful night. I can only speak for what I knew while you were still with us. In the 12 years that I had known Mara before you passed, she had never been so comfortable, so happy, so content. Thank you for that. You know what her dad says about her luck. You changed all of that the day she met up with you again. How lucky was I to have been there for that?! We'll never forget the way you looked that night, either. I finally went to the Time Warp Prom this last April. There was a moment when I blinked my eyes, and I swear I saw the two of you...you in your pastel polo shirt & acid-wash jeans & denim jacket with the collars turned up & gelled hair...Mara in her co-ed uniform with those two fluffy ponytails tied up with white & gold ribbons & baby blue eyeshadow. I sure wish we could've all been there together. Someday...

I used to call your cell phone..just to hear you say your name. I wish it had been the original message where you sounded less tired, but your voice was really good to hear at that point, no matter how it sounded. Somehow, hearing you say your own name helped it hurt a little less. I'm sure I'm not the only one who did that then. I often wish we could still do that.

We're going to a Leppard concert soon. Gosh, it was probably roughly 19 years ago that you went to your first Leppard concert. Can you believe it?!?! I know you'll be there with us this time, too. Can't wait!!! What a great way to celebrate your birthday this year!!! I only wish Heather could go with us. I miss you. I miss us all hanging out together. I miss the phone calls, no matter what the topic of conversation. Believe it or not, I even miss sitting on the couch & having you explain sports events (yes, even Nascar) to Mara & me. Between you & Jabari, I have some sort of grip on football...still not much, but what I do know is y'all's fault :^)!

Thanks for hanging around from time to time. You were always such a thoughtful, giving, loving person. It seems as though you're still here sometimes, hanging around at unexpected times...just to say "hi".

Much Love,

KB

Mara

July 10, 2006

Chad, More than two years now and I still think you are going to walk through the door any minute and tell me this has all been one big nightmare! The kids and I miss you so much and we think of and talk about you every day. You will never leave our lives and our hearts. I love you baby.

Love,

Mara

Mom and Dad

June 20, 2006

Chad,

It has been 2 years since you left us.I cant begin to tell you how much we miss you, but somehow I think you know. You will always be a part of your Dad and I.

We love you.

Mom and Dad

MOM

June 20, 2006

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

April Trombino

March 3, 2006

Hey there sweetie, you are still in my thoughts everyday and in my dreams at night. Everyone misses you so much! It's just so sad I can't begin to explain it. I miss you very much!! Love, grape ape!! : )

Matt van Ruiten

December 23, 2005

It has been many years since Chad and I hung out during middle school, but I will never forget him and the times we had together. I am sorry that we fell out of touch over the years, but I just wanted to say the news of your passing has had a tremendous impact to me, and I wish my best to all those he left behind

April Trombino

September 8, 2005

Hey goofball - I am still thinking of you and missing you everyday and all your funny little comments! You always made me laugh!! I miss you soo much and keep prayin something will turn up in your case.

I love and miss you - see you soon! : )

Love,

April

Heather Martin

June 24, 2005

Hi Chady,

I'm not even sure where to begin. So much has happened in the year you've been gone. So much that you should've been a part of. Dave and I went to Las Vegas this summer. I thought about you so much while we were there...remembering how much fun you had and how you just wanted to see everything! I miss you more than I ever thought possible. Even though we drove each other crazy, you were my big brother and I loved you so very much. Part of me keeps expecting to hear your voice again someday. I think about you every single day. I hope that you've finally found happiness and contentment. You will always be a part of us, Chad. You will never be forgotten.

Love always,

Sissy

Chandler Nester

June 23, 2005

Hi Dad, it's me.

I wanted to write and tell you I miss and love you very much. I sleep with two of your shirts and it seems to help to keep you near.

My summer is going fast and busy. I am playing baseball and went to two camps for basketball and football. I hope I can play in the NFL someday. I am either going to Bowling Green or Michigan University. I will have to see what mom says!

Mom always says I act and look just like you. She thinks its funny that McDonalds is my favorite place to eat. She says I get that from you.

We are going to Florida soon to see Aunt Heather and Uncle Dave. Grandma and Grandpa are going too. I can't wait. Wish you could be there.

Well Daddy, I will talk to you through my prayers and I know we will see each other again when I get "there."

I love you daddy.

Kathy Stapleton

June 23, 2005

Honey,

It has bee 1yr, 1mo since you were taken, Chad. I think you would be surprised that you affected so many lives. Even now, people still tell us how much they liked and enjoyed you. This is a comfort.

YOu will continue to live through

Chandler, Jenna and Mason. Every now and then, I will hear them say something and I realize that they sound so much like you. We will do everything possible to keep your memory alive with them.

You know I talk to you all the time, but I feel especially close to you whenever I am in the kitchen.

We had so many good times there as a family.

We will find a way to go on honey, but we miss you constantly. You are always in our hearts.

Love always, Mom and Dad

Kathy Stapleton

June 23, 2005

I still look out the window, waiting for you to walk up the driveway.

Miss you, Daddy.

Love, Lexie (doggie)

Kathy Stapleton

June 23, 2005

Love you very much and I think of you every day.

Love, Granny

Marina LeHeup

June 23, 2005

I guess, I'm just in one of those moods, that never seems to totally go away of late. We all manage to make it through one day and then the next. Chad, I know you are missed each and every moment of the day. I miss you and my baby sister Andrea, who you know was your age. Life is tumultuous at best and this is a really tough time of year. You were both so young and beautiful. I know that I shouldn't be writing about Andrea in this guest book, but, there wasn't anything like this available for her in Longmont. I pray you two have become reaquainted and are enjoying eachothers company. ::hugs:: I know I sound like a nut job, frankly, I don't care. To all of your family and friends, I will always be deeply sorrowful and I will try my best to remember better days.

One day, we will all be together again.

Love, Marina

Mara

June 21, 2005

Chad,

Today is June 21,2005. So much has happened to me. So much has happened to the kids. And all of which was experienced with sadness, hurt and anger. We miss you so much that sometimes we just can't stand it. It is absolutely amazing how much Chandler walks, talk and acts just like you. Mason is a walking Chadism, and Jenna continues to look for signs that you are still here "flicking her in the head". As for me, well, I am just lonely. I spend my days consumed with making sure that the children are safe and happy and well taken care of, and my nights are spent waiting for the day when you and I will be reunited for all eternity. My love for you will never cease. My devotion to you is without end. It is that love and devotion that will lead our kids by example. It is funny to watch Chandler tell Jenna that she is not allowed to have a boyfriend and to watch Jenna and Chandler beat up on each other. And Mason thinks Chandler hung the moon. He is growing and learning new things every day, but never will forget you. I know that you continue to watch over us and guide us and we see it every day. Thank you,Chad, for coming into our lives and for never leaving our hearts. Our love for you and your love for us will carry us through whatever comes our way. There are just not enough words to express to you my anguish without you, but I will carry you with me in my heart until the day that I can touch your face and hear your voice again. I love you,Chad, with all my heart! You are my one true solemate!

With all of my love forever,

Mara

april burdine

November 30, 2004

I'm still thinking about you, sweetie!!!

DEBBIE NOLTE

July 6, 2004

CHAD,

I'M HERE IN KENTUCKY FOR THE 4TH AS USUAL. ALTHOUGH IT'S ALWAYS EXCITING & WONDERFUL TO BE WITH GRANNY AND THE FAMILY, I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT YOU CONSTANTLY AND KNOW THAT COMING HOME WILL NEVER BE AS FULLFILLING WITHOUT YOU. I MISS YOU DEARLY AND THINK OF YOU EVERYDAY. I SHARE MEMORIES OF YOU WITH AMANDA & HUNTER AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. I WILL KEEP YOU WITH US THROUGH MY CHILDREN AND ASK THEM TO PASS THESE MEMORIES ON TO THEIR CHILDREN. NEVER FORGOTTEN! WHEN I RETURN TO ARKANSAS THINGS WILL CONTINUE AS THEY HAVE BEEN FOR YOU AND I. THE VISOR'S DOWN, LET'S ROCK! CATCH UP WITH YOU LATER.

I LOVE YOU,

DEBBIE

april burdine

June 29, 2004

Chad, i loved you as my own brother and I know you will stay with me through spirit always. I will always cherish our memories and special moments we've shared. I love you and always will - God Bless you and may He keep you close.

Steven Barker

June 24, 2004

My deepest sympathies go out to the Stapletons. I had the pleasure of knowing Chad throughout our High School years at Centerville and several years after. My regret is not staying touch with him throughout the years. I wish the best for his friends and family and a part of me will always mourn for the loss of a person who put others before himself. Chad was indeed a special person and I will always value the time I had with him.

My deepest Sympathies,

Steven Barker

Chad Shonkwiler

June 9, 2004

My sincerest condolonces go out to the Stapleton Family. I had the privlidge of knowing Chad since our Magsig Middle School days, we spent more than a few summer days together when we both had hot rod Chevy's, in fact it was on one of those summer days that I met my future wife (April Blevins) and we had a son. And although we're no longer together, without that summer hanging out at Chad's my son would've never come into being. Chad was a great, outgoing fun-loving person, there was nothing he wouldnt do for a friend. I regret that I hadnt contacted him for a long time. It was a complete and utter shock to see the news report that this had happened completely unbelivable. Once again my sincerest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Chad.

Jenna Jones

June 7, 2004

Chad,

I loved you like a dad. You know why?

Because, you were always taking me to

cheer practice, doughnuts with dads, the father daughter dance, And

most of all today at my surgery the whole time I thought about you. I`m glad my mom picked you to spend the rest of her life with. You would make the perfect dad for mason and I. Luckly Chandler had you for a dad. Even though we didn`t seem like we liked each other I love him too.

I will always love you,

Jenna

kathy stapleton

June 6, 2004

June 6, 2004

Dear Chad,

There are so many things that we'll remember about you:

-that little boy full of energy, ready to play

-the teenager, playing air drums to "def Leopard"

-the easy-going man who enjoyed Michigan football games, Nascar racing and traveling

We'll always see you walking up the driveway with that smile on you face.

You had a good heart, ready to help a friend or patiently explain how to program the dvd player, again, to your mother. You have been a light in our lives and that light has been passed along to Chandler, Jenna, and Mason. You will live through them as well as every friend and family member.

Now that you are gone, that light has been dimmed. We go through the motions of everyday living but something is missing-you! We are told that our grief will ease with time. Maybe, but you will not be forgotten. Every morning when we walk Lexi and before we go to sleep at night , you will be in our thoughts.

Love always,

Mom and Dad

Pam Fitzcharles

June 2, 2004

Dear Greg, Kathy, and Family

I don't know even where to begin to say how very sorry I am for you, your family, and Chandler. Chad and I shared some good times but best of all, we had a great little boy together. Chandler will forever be very precious to me and to your family. When I look at him, I can see so much of Chad in him.

I reassure you that I will always take good care of him and protect him the best I can.

And to you Chad, , ,

God knows we have disagreed on some issues but all that seems so trival now. I just want to make you one promise, I will always guide and encourage Chandler to become an honest, proud and successful man. I will do my best to continue the relationship with your family and I promise that nobody will ever replace you in Chandler's life. He loves you very much and always wants to know why you died so young. I can't give him a reason, I just tell him that life isn't fair sometimes. I can't explain it myself so I surely can't explain it to an 8 year old. Someday, I will tell him how we met and all the goods things but for now, I want him to remember you in "Dayton" and going to visit on the weekends. Finally, I would like to thank you for giving me the best thing that ever happened to me.

All my love, Pam

P.S. Don't forget- he picked you for his guardian angel. Please watch over him and keep him safe.

Jocelyn and Shawn Hodson

June 1, 2004

The world has been robbed of your light-hearted nature

But our ears will always hear your laughter

As we shed tears for the lack of your presence

Our eyes will always see your kind, loving smile

As your absence now creates a void in our lives

Our hearts will not be empty

Because the love you shared and so selflessly gave

Will remain in our hearts forever

It is your kind of love that makes men great

It is your passion for life that gives us no fear

Memories of your laughter, your smile, your love

Pale in comparison to the aura you created

But it is those memories that keep us all strong

And in those memories your friendship lives

So many have been deeply affected by your departure

And as we weep we cannot help but smile

For you always gave us all something to smile about…

In times of trouble and times of doubt

We will remember your grace, your kindness and willingness

To be there for all of us when we needed a hand

For those of us who remember you best

The bonds we shared will keep us forever entwined

As we live out our time on earth, we look to the time we will share with you

Together again, laughing again, and smiling in the presence of your smile

Our hearts and prayers are with the Stapleton family…Chad was truly one of the best.

Mara Jones

May 30, 2004

Twenty two years ago I passed by a hottie in jeans and a t-shirt and smiled. That hottie grew up to be the warmest, kindest, most loving and compassionate man I have every had the privilege of knowing. I was lucky enough to have shared a beautiful relationship with you, Chad. You were a friend and a lover to me and father to our children, both yours and mine. You gave me guidance and hope and more love than any one person could ever hope for. It is dark without you, the light of my life. The days empty, I ache for you to the depths of my soul. But I must go on for the children left behind, and I will see you in all three of them every day for the rest of my life. My heart will be with you always (and yours with me).

I will keep you with me forever.

I will always love you

Mara

Chad and Chandler playing around December 2003

May 29, 2004

Chad and his son, Chandler, in December 2003

Heather Martin

May 29, 2004

When they carried you away,
My life slipped away.
With the veil over my face
looking black lace,
I won't cry.
Don't get me wrong
I'll miss you.
I'll never hold you again
Nor kiss you.
But I won't cry, I can't.
Life is a game I cannot seem to win.
To me, you were so pure.
Your death a tragic sin.
How will I go on without you.
Without your smile, your charm.
We'll meet again in Heaven,
where we'll never fear any harm.
Now the tears flowly freely.
I can't bring back your life.
Your smile made me happy.
Your death cut like a knife.
I will let go.
I tell myself, "Today will be the start."
But in my soul
I really know,
You'll always haunt my heart.

I love you Chady and you'll always be with us.
-Your sister, Heather

Heidi Green (Hodson)

May 28, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Stapleton family. I've known Chad for atleast 15 years. He was a great friend to my brother Shawn. Chad was like a brother to me. I will always remember his brilliant smile and his love of my mom's home cooking. Our memories over the years will always be in my heart.

Alicia (Craynon) Perkins

May 28, 2004

Although I have not seen Chad in 10 years, I still smile everytime I think of him or hear his name. He was a great person, who will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was close with him. Alicia

Jeff Allen

May 28, 2004

I can't say that I knew Chad all that well except in passing at places that we both patronized but his tragic death was very upsetting to me. I do know that we will all be reunited someday, forever. God bless you Kathy, Greg, family, and friends.

Tracy Crosson

May 26, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Chad. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He was always willing to lend a hand. He helped me numerous times throughout the last three years. I will miss his stories and visits. He was a good man and will be remembered always. May God be with all his family and friends during this time of mourning. He will be sadly missed.

Walt Tracey

May 25, 2004

As a member of our large high school class and having spent many seasons playing baseball with Chad, I really enjoyed his determination, competitive spirit and refreshing wit. I recently re-connected with him for the first time since graduation and so enjoyed learning what an admirable man he had become. He was a person that lived every moment with a passion that many folks can only hope to achieve. I too mourn his passing, but am thankful for the time I got.

Amy Fry (Guest)

May 25, 2004

I am truly sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Chad was a great friend to many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!!

Becky Owen

May 25, 2004

Chad's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I'll remember him with a smile.

Kelly Wells Conger

May 25, 2004

I am so shocked and saddened by the loss of Chad. I was a classmate and friend of his at Centerville.

While we have not been in touch, I remember how sweet he was. I cannot express how saddened I am for all of those who are left behind to remember him. My deepest sympathies are with you all.

Kelly (Wells) Conger

Debbie (Layne) Frazier

May 24, 2004

Dear Cathy and Greg,

Our entire family is deeply saddened by the news of Chad's tragic death.

I can recall telling a former classmate of Greg's just a couple of weeks ago about how handsome, humble, and nice Chad was when I met him at Tammy's 40th birthday party.

I know by experience that there are no words to comfort you at this time; however, may it help you to know that you are in our hearts and on our minds during this most difficult time.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Debbie, Chesla, and Christine

Debbi Kinderdine (Staley)

May 24, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with all of those that were close to Chad. He was a good friend - Deb

Marina (Wilburn) LeHeup

May 24, 2004

Greg, Kathy, Heather, family and friends,

We are so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Chad's beautiful smile and playful, sparkling eyes. His gentle disposition will remain with me always. You are in our prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

with our love and prayers,

Marina, Matt, Heidi, Hanna & Austin LeHeup

deanna williams(lang)

May 24, 2004

i'm so sorry to hear about your loss.Chad was wonderful guy and i'm sure he made a terrific dad. my thoughts and prayers are with you.

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