Charles “Chuck” LeRoy Stapleton, 82 of Galena, died at his home at 9:24 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022.
Born April 10, 1940 in Joplin, Mo., Chuck was the son of Ohlan C. Stapleton and Alice E. (Lightfoot) Stapleton. He graduated from Parkwood High School in Joplin, Mo. with the Class of 1958.
Chuck served in the United States Marines from 1958 until1965. He was stationed at El Toro Military Base in Irvine, Calif. He had worked for Eagle Picher, as a Sargant for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and as City Superintendent for the City of Galena. He retired as a serviceman from Kansas Gas Company in the early 2000’s. He was a member of the American Legion, the Joplin Gun Club, the Galena Volunteer Fire Department, and the National Rifle Association.
Chuck and Judith Sweet were united in marriage in 1963 at Galena. She preceded him in death August 5, 1998. He later married Charlene Hess November 2, 2002, and she preceded him in death September 9, 2019. He was also preceded in death by his father, Ohlan C. Stapleton; his mother, Alice E. Best; and one son, Jeff Stapleton.
Church is survived by one son, Chad Stapleton (wife, Stephanie) of Galena; two grandchildren, Cade Stapleton and Cadie-Marie Stapleton (boyfriend, Austin Harshman), both of Galena; one brother, James Stapleton of Goodman, Mo.; sisters-in-law Betty Sweet of Galena and Phyllis Brown of Carl Junction, Mo.; brother-in-law, Kenny Sweet of Galena; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved dearly.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 27, at Derfelt Funeral Home in Galena. Pastors Charlie Idleman and Aaron Polok will officiate. Pallbearers serving will be Mike Gilbert, J.D. Barker, Doug Brown, Chuckie Sweet, Cade Stapleton, and Austin Harshman with Marty New serving as honorary pallbearer. Visitation will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tues
Visitation will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.