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Dennis Staples Obituary

STAPLES Dennis Dennis Staples, 60, a great comedic mind, and an endearing presence on Toledo radio for the past two decades, until poor health forced him to retire, died Monday at Toledo Hospital. Born Dennis Wymore Dobbins in Santa Monica, CA, to big band leader Tiny Dobbins, who headed the Kings of Rhythm, and big band singer Millie Wymore, he went on gigs with his parents and performed on stage the first time when he was 4 years old. After attending Chico State College to study drama, he left school to go into radio. His first on-air job was at KAOR-AM in Oroville, CA, in 1969. From there he took radio jobs in DeSoto, Missouri, and at WFRO-AM in Fremont, Ohio. He made a five-year career detour in the 1970s as an alcohol and drug rehabilitation education consultant, serving as director of an alcohol counseling program in Sandusky County and a counselor at the former Tennyson Center in Toledo. He returned to radio in Toledo, signing on as a weekend announcer at WCWA-AM 1230. It was at WCWA where in 1987 he and Bob Kelly became a popular on-air team that would endure for almost two decades. After stints at WCWA and WXKR-FM 94.5, they took their "Kelly & Staples" morning show to WRQN-FM 93.5, where it became a morning fixture in Toledo until Dennis retired last year. "I truly love what I'm doing," Dennis told The Blade when he retired. "If I were healthy enough, I'd do it until I was 100, but my body is calling the shots right now." "Dennis had a great comedy mind. He saw the humor in things and had a wonderful way of describing it," Bob Kelly said. "The mornings went by rapidly." "Listeners loved him," said Ron Finn, program manager at WRQN. "At his on-air retirement party we didn't have enough time to take all the calls and we allotted four hours for it." Dennis and Bob were known to Toledo television viewers in recent years as the zany duo hawking the Movie Gallery - skits created by Dennis. To his family, Dennis was a loving husband and father. He was also a steadfast friend to many. Surviving are his wife, Johanna (Honnie); son, Nathan Staples, and daughters, Lexi Staples and C.J. Leavens. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the J. Jeffrey Fretti Funeral Home, 5045 W. Sylvania Ave. (at Corey Rd), where visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The family requests contributions to the Dennis Staples Foundation for diabetes and kidney disease research.

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Published by The Blade from Dec. 19 to Dec. 20, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Staples

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Douglas Agosti

May 17, 2025

Dennis was a clever radio Icon. As well as a great character actor in the films by After Shock Productions.

Larry Skrdla

July 30, 2024

Gone but never forgotten. my friend Dennis. God bless and peace love always

Kathy Shanteau

December 24, 2007

Dear Johanna,
In ICU - Toledo Hospital, once again God had our paths cross.

Sadly, my Dad passed away on the Sunday before. Both he and Dennis had their funerals the same day and time, otherwise I would have visited you.

I know the pain and sadness is constant, but with time, healing will come. God bless you and the kids. You're in our prayers.

My fav. verse is, I can do all things thru Christ who strenghtens me - and He does and will for you all too! Kathy and Les Shanteau

Twana and Michael Boyd's

December 22, 2007

Mrs Staples, We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We, lost my mother/grandmother to complications of diabetes, kidney and heart disease. God Bless.

Diane Scribner

December 22, 2007

I had the pleasure of of working with this man and enjoyed every minute of it. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Following my broadcast career, I became a big fan of the show!! Diane Scribner

Carol Morse

December 21, 2007

Johanna, Nathan, and Lexie,
God bless you and keep you strong. You have so many great memories of your dad and your dad and mom together, truly a great love. See you soon in Florida.

Ronald Coon, Jr.

December 21, 2007

Truely a sad loss. Dennis had helped me with ideas and broadcasting tips on the radio. To this day I think back to all the advice and put it to use when I broadcast on my internet radio station. May god look over him now.

Candy Phillips-Davis

December 20, 2007

Yes this is a sad loss for your family and the radio community but think of the gain in Heaven!!! I will miss calling him and wishing him a Happy Birthday as we share the same day. I'm glad to see he did get to make it to the "BIG 60" like he said he wanted to. God Bless your family in this time of need.

Shannon Matzinger

December 20, 2007

You will be missed by so many. My best wishes to all of you.

Colleen Hubley RN

December 20, 2007

Dear Johanna,

I am very sorry that I wont be able to attend in person, but a few other issues popped up ( as I have come to expect ). You know my thoughts are with you. Please accept my deepest condolences. We will miss having him with us, I just wish it was under different circumstances. My Deepest Sympathy

Tracy

December 20, 2007

My sympathy goes out to the family and many friends of Dennis. He was loved and admired by all of Toledo. Radio hasn't been the same since his retirement, and Toledo won't be the same now that he has passed on.

judy vansickle

December 20, 2007

having listened to Dennis on the radio for years, I feel as if I knew him personally. my deepest sympathies on your loss

Pat D'Arcangelo

December 20, 2007

Dear Mrs.Staples,
You do not know me but my husband Mike was at the same dialysis center as Dennis.I lost my husband 2 months ago.Both were great gentleman. I do feel your pain
God bless you & your family
Pat D'Arcangelo

Dianne Beers

December 20, 2007

I was "Mugged" by Kelly and Staples. It is an experience that I will never forget and neither will my coworkers. The coffee cup still remains on my desk to this day. Dennis was a very special and unique person. He touched many lives and will live on in our memories forever.

Larry & Jenny Howe

December 20, 2007

What a GREAT person to know and be around. Our daughter played softball against he and Kelly long ago. The girls were about 10 maybe, they had a ball doing this. Staples and Kelly teasing them and then coming back and beating the girls (of course). The memory is fun and loving and remembering a great pair of guys and remembering Staples in the communitee making a difference. Thank you Kelly, thank you Staples for all that you gave to us with your great show and great music. Peace be with you at this time. Deepest Sympathy.

December 20, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you all . Sorry I can not be there in person. Love Sarah Schoolcraft.

Denise and Bob Carew

December 20, 2007

To the Staples family and friends of Dennis
The news of Dennis’ passing brought tears to my eyes. I have missed his wit, intelligence and sarcasm since he no longer graces my early morning ritual. He was a self admitted, true curmudgeon that will be remembered for a long time to come. Our sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.

NANCY AND GLEN CHINNIS

December 20, 2007

I JUST LOVED LISTENING TO KELLY AND STAPLES IN THE MORNING,THEY MADE THE TIME GO BY SO FAST. UNFORTUNATELY IT DOES GO BY FAST FOR TOO MANY OF US. REST IN PEACE AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH THE FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW.

WAYNE & WANDA CUMMINS

December 20, 2007

MY WIFE & I FIRST MET DENNIS WHEN HE WAS WITH WCWA RADIO. HIM & BOB KELLY WERE DOING A LIVE BRODCAST AT A WENDY'S IN OREGON , OHIO. I STILL HAVE A T-SHIRT FROM THE OLD MOLLY'S RESTAURANT THAT DENNIS SIGNED.WE'VE KNOWN DENNIS SINCE 1987

December 20, 2007

Sorry for your lost he a great Man and was well love
Toledo

Terry Laplante

December 20, 2007

I have been a fan for so many years.It hasn't been the same since retired.My daughter actually told me when she heard about Dennis, she thought of me. My youngest son is 27,he always knew when it was Friday & time to leave for school,because lonely teardrops played. I will have to say since Dennis retired a& Bob wasn't there on Fridays,I would have to call & remind them about 8:30 that they didn"t play the weekend kick-0ff. My son bowled with them in the big brother's fund raiser also. I have a picture of Dennis & Bob at my restaurant that I opened. I express my deepest condolences for your familes loss. If it does help, he did make so many memories for me and my family. My kids friends would all laugh at them because they knew all the oldies. Only because your family member made such an impact on mine.

Barb Wielfaert

December 20, 2007

I was a great admirer of Dennis' many talents. He was a wonderful part of my life, through the radio, whether he knew it or not. My prayers for comfort are with his loved ones, and also my thanks for sharing him.

Marci Williams

December 19, 2007

We moved to Phoenix AZ, this past January, I had listed to "Kelly and Staples" every day on my way to work for almost 20 years. Although I listen to a morning "oldies" radio program on my way to work here in Phoenix, it is not the same...I was sadden to read of his passing today, but will think of him in the morning on the way to work and know he is now in a better place. A prayer will be said tonight for you, his family.

Melissa Stoll-Baker

December 19, 2007

Dear Staples Family;

Words cannot express how deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your loved one. I had the pleasure of waiting on Dennis & the family while I waitressed at "Jackie's Original Hotdog" in the Trilby area when it was still open. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers and I wish that you find your memories comforting during this holiday season.

Paul Biler

December 19, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about this. I knew Dennis from our days back at WFRO in the early '80's.

s l lehmann

December 19, 2007

God love you and keep you, Dennis. My heartfelt condolences to the family.

Ronald Schulz

December 19, 2007

Over the years, I've had the pleasure and honor to have videotaped and edited the Video Connection (later Movie Gallery) commercials featuring Dennis and Bob. Probably more than any other assignment, I looked forward to seeing what Dennis would be bringing to the table with each commercial. Somehow, between the laughs we'd get it all on tape as I wondered if it'd work once I got it back to the editing room. It's there that I really came to appreciate Bob and Dennis' chemistry and sense of comediac timing. It always clicked...the patter...the pricless expressions...the gags. Recently, I compiled a reel of outtakes of the many characters Dennis (and Bob) portrayed: "Holmes & Watson", "Mr. Whiskers", "Santa Claus". I'm surely going to miss Dennis and his amazing cast of characters. I sense a loss of laughter in the world with his passing but find joy in the memories he blessed me with. My heartfelt condolences to Dennis' family, his loving wife, Johanna, his son Nathan and his (sometimes co-starring) daughters Lexi and CJ. May you find comfort in knowing how well loved Dennis is and forever will be.

Rick Maier

December 19, 2007

I never met Dennis in person but I enjoyed every minute of his humor. I used to drive 35 miles to work in the early morning and because if his talent, I enjoyed the trip. I would laugh out loud by myself, then get to work and repeat Kelly and Staple stories. Everyone else would laugh, it made every day fun.

The angels will now enjoy Dennis while he waits for the rest of us.

Dennis was great and I hope the memories of a fine husband, father and friend comfort everyone who loves him.

Jay Benoit

December 19, 2007

To the Staples' family & friends:
There is a major hole left on the radio dial, and a major void in the hearts of listeners with Dennis'passing. In a day when boring politics and infantile antics fester in the airwaves, Mr. Staples was fresh air to the morning listener. Be comforted in knowing how many people started their day with a laugh, even if they hadn't expected to. True radio humor is a lost art and the life of this morning "Staple" stands as a permanent tribute to creativity.

larry skrdla

December 19, 2007

I guess God just needed a good laugh so he sent for the best.May God Bless you always Dennis.

Jeanne C

December 19, 2007

I was truly shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Dennis' passing. I grew up listening to Kelly and Staples every single morning on the way to school. He was a part of my childhood that I will never forget. I loved listening to his quick wit and always humorous banter with Bob Kelly.

Mrs. Staples, I will be praying for you and your family at this holiday season. Know that he touched numerous hearts in his life and we will never forget him.

December 19, 2007

R.I.P.

Dennis was a true ledgend in Toledo radio......what else can be said? Condolences to his family

Scott Hilbert

December 19, 2007

I am truly shocked and saddened to read of Denny's death today. Although I didn't personally know him, I remember listening and laughing to his morning radio show. I especially will never forget his crazy commercials for Video Connection....I always wondered who that crazy guy was, I had no idea it was the funny-man from 93.5! Rest in Peace Denny and God Bless you for all the times that you made us laugh!
My condolences to the family.

Stephanie Mills

December 19, 2007

To Lexi and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. Find comfort in the wonderful memories you have all shared together.
Keep strong!
Steph, Beth and Linzey.

Kelli & Aubrey Donbrosky

December 19, 2007

Mrs. Staples, my daughter Aubrey was a student of your's at Old Orchard, although it's been a couple of years, I think of you often. I was saddened to hear that your husband had passed away. It's apparent that your husband touched many lives and hearts as you have touched mine. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

David Sprinski

December 19, 2007

Dennis, along with Bob, gave the people of Toledo the gift of pure laughter in the morning. They always helped me start my day with a smile. What a great gift he had to share. My prayers to the family during this trying time.

Tom Bodette

December 19, 2007

My prayers are with you and Dennis. What a blessing to hear him and Bob every morning,his infectious laugh and his whoooaaahhhh!! and whenever I wonder if it,s ok to eat something weird for breakfast I just say "Staples would eat it"
God bless,

David Holdren

December 19, 2007

Dennis will be missed by many throughout Ohio and Michigan, but most of all to the loves of his life...his family and friends. He was always very witty and extremely intelligent in what he said and did. God bless the Staples Family.
The Holdren Family

Andrea Glenn

December 19, 2007

Lexi & Nathan,
I worked with both of you at Food Town several years ago! I remember your Dad coming in and always enjoyed him! He always gave me a hard time which was fun! I am so very sorry for your loss and wish the best for you.

Debbie Zuchowski

December 19, 2007

To the Staples family,
My husband and I enjoyed listining to Dennis on the radio and missed him when he left. Now my husband and Dennis are together since my husband passed on Dec 8th. Maybe they'll start a duo where there are. I'm sure they will be causing some ruckous. Even though they didn't know each other personally, I'm sure that since both their personalities are alike that they are friends now.

Debbie Estell

December 19, 2007

Dennis was a great comic. Picture Dennis and God in a room just joking around. I bet God is laughing!! God bless his family. Deepest sywpathy

Vince Wuwert

December 19, 2007

The Toledo radio air waves lost a unique talent with the passing of Dennis. Toledo has been blessed, humored and entertained by the antics of Dennis and Norm Plummer.The Kelley and Staples show was like Love and Marriage. You couldn't have one without the other. Thanks for the Memories Dennis. You will be missed. Deepest sympathy to the family.

Melody Clark

December 19, 2007

Dennis, thank you for the laughs. Rest in peace, and may God send His peace to your family and friends.

Lois Poff

December 19, 2007

To the family: Although he will be missed by everyone - how good you must feel to know how many lives he touched with his wonderful humor. My husband and I listened faithfully every morning to Kelly & Staples. Gil and Lois Poff, Fort Myers, Fl (originally from Perrysburg, OH)

Diann Gillette

December 19, 2007

I listened to Kelly and Staples on WRQN for many years. Dennis was always funny. I've missed hearing him. I always liked the TV ads, too. Sincere condolences to his friends and family.

PATRICK ROBINSON

December 19, 2007

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE STAPLES FAMILY ON THEIR LOSS.DENNIS WAS A ICON IN TOLEDO ,AND WILL BE SADLY MISSED.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.PAT ROBINSON

Michael Judson

December 19, 2007

"There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval."

Dennis touched many people's lives during his short time with us. His comedic wit was obvious every time you talked to him.

Thank you Dennis for touching my family's life along your journey.

DEBORAH ECKHARDT(GOODWIN)

December 19, 2007

HONNIE,
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. DENNIS WAS 1 OF A KIND, AND WILL SADLY MISSED.
YOUR OLD NEIGHBOR FROM CLEVELAND AND GARFIELD STREET FREMONT.

Ben & Tammy Vaughn

December 19, 2007

We will all miss a man that gave of his God given talent unselfishly to everyone that enjoyed and loved him.

Anne Norman

December 19, 2007

I have been a fan of Kelly and Staples since their beginning together in Toledo, and especially enjoyed seeing them on the commercials for Video Gallery. The things Dennis would come up with was pure genius! Later when I met and started working with Lexi, I could see what a terrific guy he was with his family too, what a blessing to all who knew him. He lives on through his children, who reflect his kindness and humor.

DONNA DEAL

December 19, 2007

MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE STAPLE FAMILY.
DENNIS WILL BE MISSED BY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND ALSO HIS LISTENERS.
DENNIS AND HIS WIFE WOULD COME INTO OUR FAMILY RESTURANT ON SUNDAY MORNINGS. HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND LAUGHING. NOW GOD IS HEARING THE JOY AND LAUGHTER COMING FROM HIM.
GOD REST DENNIS.

Andrew Clark

December 19, 2007

Sincere Condolences from the Clark Family

BARBARA CARPENTER

December 19, 2007

I am so sorry! I have listened to Dennis on the radio from day one. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He truly is a legend.

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