Fred R. Staples

Fred R. Staples, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend left this earthly plain on September 19, 2011 to receive his rewards for services rendered throughout his life. Fred was born October 14, 1933 in Post Falls, ID to Russell and Doris Bentley Staples. His family lived a nomadic lifestyle until moving to the Yakima valley in the late 1940's or early 50's. The family owned and operated several orchards up and down the valley until the 1980's. After graduating from Sunnyside High School in 1951, Fred attended school at the University of Washington for a short time. He then enlisted in the Army reservist program in 1951 and entered the military full time in October of 1953 at the age of 20. He was discharged on July 16, 1955. Fred finished his college education at Gonzaga in Spokane in 1960 and opened a law practice in Pasco shortly thereafter. From 1962 to 1974, Fred was employed as District Court Judge in Franklin County and Pasco Police Court Judge. After the death of sitting Superior Court Judge Lawless (Benton/Franklin Counties) in 1974, Fred was appointed Superior Court Judge for the bi-county jurisdiction. He was later elected to the position and served on that bench until retiring in 1994. On several occasions, Fred acted as pro tem Judge on the Appellate Court and the Supreme Court of the state of Washington. Fred is survived by his wife, E. Kay Staples, sons Rex (wife, Christine) and David Staples of London, England and Tucson, AZ. respectively; grandson, Max Staples; granddaughter, Alex Staples; brother Jack Staples (wife, Sandy); nephews, Mike and Russell Staples; great nephew Frank Kavanagh; and nieces, Kim (husband, Greg) Kavanagh, Kelly Staples, Lisa Bateman, Teresa Heilman, Leslie Boyle; and step-children Dana and Ted Snyder and Kimberly (husband, Ellis) McCracken. Fred was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Frank. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011 at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union Street in Kennewick, Washington with viewing Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.