Merle Lynn Stapes
August 17, 2010
Merle Lynn Stapes, 75, died Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston from a lengthly battle of Alzheimer’s. A visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2010 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday at Glendale Cemetery.
Merle was born December 14, 1934 to Floyd and Anna Stapes in Redfield, IA. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Air Force where he serviced from 1954 to 1962. Merle worked for Drake University for 21 years and retired in 1999 as the maintenance supervisor. He loved being outside and working with his flowers, especially his mother’s peonies. Merle enjoyed camping, skiing, scuba diving, and swimming. He also loved caring for his many animals.
Merle married Sarah Jean McElwee until her death in 1996 and then married Sheila Woosley who has been a loving and devoted wife and caretaker. He is a member of the Celebration of Christ Church.
Merle is survived by his wife, Sheila Woosley; step-daughter, Jennifer (Dan) Honnold; daughters, Karrie Thomas and Karla Stapes (Arnie); son, Kris (Shelly) Stapes; brothers, Darrell (Joan) Stapes and Lloyd (Charlene) Stapes; sister, Melba (Bill) Boone; one step-granddaughter; seven grandchildren; and a host of other family and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife and his parents.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hannah Bell, Melba Boone, Jennifer Honnold, Wesley Adult Day Care, and Mercy Hospice for all their support and care for Merle.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Bob Morgan
08/20/2010
Uncle Merle,
Now that you're looking down on us, I'd like to let you know what a cool Uncle you have been. Your laugh and sense of humor made all around you happy. I'm glad we had some things in common like wanting the gizzard at Grandma Stapes Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and loving Grandma Stapes Mincemeat pie!
Tell Grandma, Grandpa, and Jeanie hello! I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself on that water tower.
To Merles family. I'm sorry for what has happened. We will all miss Merle.
Beth Hraha-Egan
08/20/2010
Karrie, Kris, Karla and families,
We love you all and are sorry we can not be there, but know we are with you in spirit.
Take comfort in knowing your Dad is with his Heavenly Father, free of the troubles and cares of this world!
Mike, Tere, Mary and Beth
Bob Morgan
08/19/2010
Uncle Merle,
Now that you're looking down on us, I'd like to let you know what a cool Uncle you have been. Your laugh and sense of humor made all around you happy. I'm glad we had some things in common like wanting the gizzard at Grandma Stapes Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and loving Grandma Stapes Mincemeat pie!
Tell Grandma, Grandpa, and Jeanie hello! I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself on that water tower.
To Merles family. I'm sorry for what has happened. We will all miss Merle.
Michelle Kennedy (niece of Merle Kennedy)
08/19/2010
I just want to say my deepest sympathy goes out to your family. Both Merles' are with the Lord now and are having a great time up in heaven. God Bless!!
Mary Clark-Butts
08/18/2010
To the Family of Merle.
It was a pleasure knowing Merle, and he will be truley missed.
Merle became apart of our family and I've find it hard to believe he's not here any more.
But i want to share this with my dear ole friend Merle.
His smile was truley bright, bright enought to light up the whole room!
His laughther was something, that made you just adored him!
His eyes sparkle like glass, I asked Merle, what do you see? he replies" I see you with a loud chuckle God is waitting for me, and it's time for me to go! So miss me but let me go!
So to my friend Merle,
Rest on my friend, you have fought a good fight and won the race, your at peace! And you will live on in out hearts!
Hannah Bell & Family