Earl Stapleton

The Lord called a faithful servant home September 15, 2022. Rev. Earl Stapleton, age 89, lived a Christ-centered life filled with contentment and gratitude for what the Lord had done for him. He was born April 15, 1933, in Belleville, Arkansas, to Charles and Edith Lampkin Stapleton. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, EffieGene, his parents, his brother A.L. (Whick) Stapleton, and infant sister Frances Stapleton. He is survived by one son, Frank Stapleton, and wife Renee of Mount Ida, and four daughters, LaJean Wilson and husband Chuck of Danville, Lisa Sponel and husband David of Dardanelle, Sheila Trusty and husband Jim Bob of Danville, and Kim Foster and husband Marvin of Russellville. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Chip Wilson of Springdale, CaraJean Loyd and husband Matt of Springdale, Marissa Mourot and husband Mitch of Morrilton, Jay Trusty and wife Leah of Russellville, Andrea Ball and husband Ben of Louisville, Kentucky, Lindsay James and husband Jeremiah of Jonesboro, Chance Packard and wife Ashley of Hot Springs, and Drew Packard and wife Kristi of Bentonville; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Corine Stapleton, Mary Morris, Carolyn Morris, Willa Morris Kennedy, and Susie Morris Harter, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Earl graduated from Havana High School in 1951 and married his sweetheart that same year. He spent several years traveling as a railroad dispatcher for the Rock Island Railroad, followed by many years as a purchasing agent for Firestone Company in Russellville. In 1973 he felt the Lord had called him to preach, and he began serving as a bi-vocational pastor at Ranger Free Will Baptist Church in Danville. He later spent several years as pastor of Mt Vernon Free Will Baptist Church in Hector. After retirement he served part-time as the Senior Adults pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church in Russellville. His last ministry was in Mitchell's Nursing Home, where he lived the last four years of his life. He was the nursing home's resident Chaplain. He was known to almost everyone as Brother Earl, and his love of people made visiting with others one of his favorite things to do. His pastoral heart and daily life pointed everyone he met to the Lord, and his spiritual strength was a constant beacon for his family and for all those who crossed his path.
He loved his family fiercely and was so proud of each one of them. His grandchildren knew he always had the best stories to tell. He was a fun Pepa, and they all adored his teasing as well as his strong faith and common-sense approach to life. His life was a life well-lived, a life lived as a blessing for others, and a life centered on serving his Savior and leading people to Him.
He loved horses, old Westerns, cowboy boots, and a good cowboy hat. He enjoyed woodworking, and people would often drop by his house and buy one of his handcrafted porch swings.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 18, from 2-4, at Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville. Funeral services will be held Monday, September 19, at 10:00 at Connect Church (formerly First Free Will Baptist Church), 1103 East L Street in Russellville. Burial will be at Earl Ladd Cemetery in Danville. Pallbearers will be Bobby Chambers, David McKenney, Earl Steen, Bill Pendergraft, Russell Thomas, Keith Bowden, and Corky McConnell. Honorary pallbearers are Deacons Dwayne Helton and Earl Lusk of Mt. Vernon FWB Church and all Arkansas Free Will Baptist ministers.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Philip Tippin and his clinic, the staff of Mitchell's Nursing Home, and Arkansas Hospice. Memorials may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 833, Danville, AR 72833.
Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville. Online guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com