Stapleton, Bed Gladney

Ben G. Stapleton, 82, Borden Native, Buried, Eagle Lake

Funeral services for Ben G. Stapleton, 82, native of Borden and lifelong resident of this county, were held December 29 at Eagle Lake, with burial in Lakeside Cemetery there.

Mr. Stapleton, brother of the late Mike Stapleton of Borden, who died in 1947, died at his home in Eagle Lake shortly after a heart attack December 27.

Born January 25, 1870, he was the son of Seaborn and Kathryn Stapleton.

Survivors include four sons, Ben and Dale of Eagle Lake, Cook of El Campo, and Warrant Officer F. B. Stapleton, stationed at Joliet, Illinois, six daughters, Mrs. Don Sims, Mrs. Arthur Hunt and Mrs. G. I. Jennings of Houston, Mrs. Oscar Smith of Highlands, Mrs. H. H. Rowe, Jr. of South Carolina and Mrs. Gordon Birdwell of Eagle Lake; 21 grandchildren, four sisters and two brothers.

One of the sons, Warrant Officer F. B. Stapleton, had spent Christmas Day at Eagle Lake and was on his way back to Illinois when the death occurred.

Weimar Mercury, January 9, 1953

Stapleton, Ben Lee

Ben Stapleton, Former Weimar Resident, Buried

Funeral services were held June 30 at Eagle Lake for Ben Lee Stapleton, 60, native of the Weimar area, who died June 28 after a long illness.

Rev. Mrs. Selma Burger of Eagle Lake Mission Church officiated in the services. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery,

Born near Weimar Aug. 1 1895, the son of Ben G. and Cora Stapleton, he had been a prominent rice farmer and rancher at Eagle Lake for more than 35 years, going there after his return from World War I service. His only son, William Lee Stapleton, was Colorado County's first World War II fatality.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Eunice Hoover Stapleton, whom he married in 1921; six sisters, Mrs. J. D. Sims, Houston, Mrs. Mollie Hunt of Jacinto City, Mrs. Cora Smith of Highlands, Mrs. Ruby Jennings of Houston and Mrs. Lou Birdwell and Mrs. Nell Rowe of Eagle Lake; and three brothers, Dale Stapleton of Eagle Lake, Boyd Stapleton of Detroit, Mich., and Cook Stapleton of Port Lavaca.

Weimar Mercury, July 13, 1956, page 5

Stapleton, Catherine Elizabeth "Kit" (Nave)

Kit Stapleton

Many friends throughout this section regretted to hear Wednesday of the death of that most estimable christian lady, Mrs. Kit Stapleton, which occurred near Borden after a long illness. Mrs. Stapleton had been a resident of this section for many years, practically her entire life being spent with in the confines of Colorado county. Throughout her entire life she was noted for her charitableness of heart, her thoughtfulness and solicitude for those about her, her ministrations to the sick and needy, and we are not exaggerating when we say that no one ever had a better friend and neighbor. She leaves an aged husband and several sons and daughters, all grown, to whom our heartfelt sympathy is extended. The funeral took place at the Borden cemetery.

Weimar Mercury, February 6, 1914
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Stapleton, George Dale

Stapleton

Dale Stapleton, age 77, of Eagle Lake passed away, Thursday, April 4, at the Bay Villa Nursing Home in Bay City, following a lengthy illness.

Born October 18, 1907 in Borden, to Ben G. Stapleton and Georgie Johnson Stapleton. He had lived in Eagle Lake most of his life and served with the U.S. Army during WW II.

He was a member of the Baptist Church and retired after 30-years service as a guide for the Eagle Lake Rod and Gun Club.

Mr. Stapleton was preceeded[sic] in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Francis Stimmons Stapleton in 1978; sisters, Bertie Sims nd Molly Hunt; brothers. Ben L. and Cook Stapleton.

Survivors include: sisters, Lou Birdwell, Eagle Lake, Cora Wallace, Waco, Nell Rowe, Ruby Schindler both of Eagle Lake. Numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and a host of loved ones.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m., Saturday, April 6 at the Dulany Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Johnny Kisiah and Rev. Bob James officiating. Interment was at the Lakeside Cemetery.

Pallbearers were nephews, Douglas Baker, Jeffrey, Joey and Johnny Kisiah, Robert James, Mike Walker and alternate, Waldo Hun.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Dulaney[sic] Funeral Home.

Colorado County Citizen, April 18, 1985

Stapleton, Lorene

Little Child Died at Lakeside Last Saturday

The two year old daughter, Lorine, of Mr. and Mrs. John Stapleton, died at their home at Lakeside last Saturday evening of slow fever. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, interment being made in the Lakeside cemetery, Rev. J. A. Stephen, the local Baptist minister, officiating. The sorrowing parents have the sympathy of the community. Eagle Lake Headlight

Weimar Mercury December 24, 1915

Stapleton, Martha Malinda (Insall)

After a few days’ sickness Mrs. Melinda Stapleton, formerly of this community, the wife of William Stapleton and sister of T. M. Insall, died of congestion last Sunday at her home in Waller county, and Tuesday morning her remains were buried in the Odd Fellows’ cemetery here by the side of those of her father and mother. A large number of sorrowing friends attended the funeral. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. T. O. Sallee, the pastor of the Baptist church at Weimar, who made some beautiful and touching remarks on the sad occasion. Mrs. Stapleton was born and reared in this community. She was in her 47th year when she died. She joined the Baptist church at Osage when she was only 15 years old, and continued a consistent member the rest of her life. THE MERCURY extends sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

Weimar Mercury, August 10, 1895

Stapleton, Patsy (Scott)

Patsy Scott Stapleton

Patsy Scott Stapleton, 72, of Sealy, passed away on Friday, May 18 at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Wharton after a lengthy illness.

Patsy was born on April 14, 1935 to T.W. and Jimmie B Lowrie Scott.

Patsy spent a large part of her life in Eagle Lake, and it was there she met and married the love of her life, William Lee Stapleton.

While raising their family, work allowed them to travel and live in other countries.

Later, Patsy and Billy returned to Eagle Lake, where she enjoyed volunteering at the hospital in Eagle Lake and served as President of the Pink Ladies for three years.

Patsy was also a member of First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake.

Patsy is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, William Lee Stapleton; daughters and husbands, Cindy and Rickey Broussard, Sharon and Charlie Badeaux and Kathy and David Parchman; eight granddaughters; two grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and niece, Lisa Colgin.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all the people who so lovingly helped Patsy during her illness and final stay in the hospital: Dr. Thomas Winston of Wharton, the caring nursing staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center, and members of the Houston Hospice – El Campo Branch.

As per her request, following cremation her remains were interred at Sealy Cemetery in a private ceremony on Thursday, May 24.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their loss. 

Eagle Lake Headlight, June 7th, 2007
Submitted by John Konesheck

Stapleton, Robert F.

ROB”T STAPLETON DIES AT COLUMBUS

Columbus, Texas, Feb. 18.--Robert Stapleton, 46, died here early today, following an operation for appendicitis. Deceased was a native of Colorado county, He is survived by his widow and two children; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stapleton of Weimar, Texas; two brothers, E. C. Stapleton, Columbus, and Jim Stapleton of Weimar; seven sisters, Mrs. Felix Miles and Mrs. Urban McMillan of El Campo, Texas; Mrs. W. H. Austin, Fresno, Calif.; Mrs. Louis Watson, Edna, Texas, Mrs. Ben Harigel, La Grange, Texas; Mrs. Robert Barker, Kendleton, Texas, and Mrs. W. H. Wagley, Galveston. Funeral services were held from the First Baptist Church here, Rev. W. D. Wyatt, pastor, officiating.--San Antonio Express. [Intermentin Odd Fellows’ Rest]

Many friends of the family throughout this section deeply regretted to hear of Robert Stapleton’s death. Born and raised in this section, he was known to nearly all of our people, and his death is sincerely deplored. He was truly a good man and citizen, a devoted husband and father, and his passing is viewed with deepest regret. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his bereaved ones.

Weimar Mercury, February 24, 1933, page 1

Stapleton, Seaborn Trumbul

Sad Death of Mr. Seaborn Stapleton Wednesday

Mr. Seaborn Stapleton, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Colorado county, passed away at the home of his son, Mr. Mike Stapleton, Wednesday, Dec 16, at 5:30 a.m.

Mr. Stapleton was born at Matagorda, Texas, April 12, 1838. In December of that year he was brought by his parents to what is now Borden, where he was brought up and where he spend all his life, except the time he was away in the Confederate Army during the war between the states, and twelve years which he spent in Waller county.

When the war broke out he went to Oakland and enlisted in the army, but being badly hurt in the falling of a horse while he was riding, he was unable to do service at that time. When he was able he went to Velasco and enlisted there.

At the close of the war he returned to Colorado County. Here he married and reared a family of eight children, who survive him and mourn his death. These children are four sons – Mike, who lives about five miles from Weimar; Ben of Rock Island; Sam who lives in Harris county; and John of Eagle Lake; and four daughters – Mrs. Edna Crowder, Katy Texas; Mrs. Annie Strane, Edna, Texas; Mrs. Sadie Davis, Waller, Texas; and Mrs. Susie Sojourner, Houston, Texas. Several of these were present during the last days of his illness.

Mr. Stapleton’s death was preceded by that of his wife by several years. Since that time he has lived with his children, the last years being spent at the home of his son, Mike.

For the last two years he was almost totally blind, and for several months prior to his death was confined to his bed. During this time he made very little complaint of suffering. In fact, he died of old age, rather than of any particular disease.

About fifteen years ago he made a profession of faith in Christ, and united with the Live Oak Baptist Church in which relation he lived consistently till the day of his death.

On Thursday afternoon at 2:30, his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Borden Cemetery beside his parents and his beloved wife, on the piece of ground once owned by his father and very near the spot on which the old home stood. A large number of friends were present. Funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. E. Dearman.

Mr. Stapleton lived a quiet, peaceful life. It is said that he never had any trouble getting alone [sic] with his neighbors. He was a food, lawabiding citizen, and a good man.

The Mercury joins a large number of friends in extending our sympathies to his sorrowing loved ones. May the God of all comfort them.

Weimar Mercury, December 25, 1925
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Stapleton, Susan Frances (Bradley)

Last Rites for Mrs. Stapleton Held at Borden, March 30.

Funeral services for Mrs. Mike Stapleton, 76, were held at Columbus Funeral Home in Columbus Sunday with interment in Borden cemetery. Rev. C. L. Boone of Weimar officiating. Mrs. Stapleton died Friday at the home of her daughter Mrs. Dora Connor in Orchard where she had spent the last several months.

Mrs. Stapleton was a lifelong resident of Borden and she and Mr. Stapleton were engaged in farming. She was a member of the Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband, and seven daughters, Mrs. Connor, Mr. W. H. Austin of California; Mrs. Felix Miles , Goose Creek; Mrs. U. S. McMillan, El Campo; Mrs. W. H. Wagley, Galveston; Mrs. Frankie Watson, Edna; and Mrs. Grace Harrigel, Robstown. Her two surviving sons are Jim Stapleton of Corpus Christi and Pvt. F. O. (Fisher) Stapleton of Ellington Field.

Colorado County Citizen, April 1, 1943

Mrs. Mike Stapleton, 76, Life Long Borden Resident Succumbs

Funeral services for Mrs. Frankie Stapleton, 76, wife of Mr. Mike Stapleton of the Borden community, were held Sunday at the Columbus Funeral Home in Columbus, with the Rev. C. L. Boone, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Weimar, conducting the services, being assisted by Rev. P. H. Phifler of Orchard. Interment was made in the Borden Cemetery, six miles east of Weimar.

Mrs. Stapleton died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dora Conner of Orchard, after an illness of fifteen months, death relieving her of her sufferings on Friday of last week.
Mrs. Stapleton was born on July 30, 1866, at Borden, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Bradley. She grew up and spent her entire lifetime in the Borden community, the home of the late Gail Borden of condensed milk fame. At the time of her death she had reached the advanced age of 76 years, 8 months and 26 days.

She was married to Mr. Mike Stapleton on December 21, 1884, and to this union twelve children were born, two of whom died in infancy. Their eldest son, Rev. Robert Stapleton died on February 17, 1933.

Mrs. Stapleton was a true Christina woman and joined the Baptist Church at an early age in life. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Mr. Mike Stapleton; two sons, Jim Stapleton of Corpus Christi and E. O. Stapleton of Ellington Field; seven daughters, Mrs. Malinda Miles of Goose Creek, Mrs. W. H. Austin of California, Mrs. Dell McMillan of El Campo, Mrs. Frankie Watson of Edna, Mrs. Dora Conner of Orchard, Mrs. Grace Harigel of Robstown and Mrs. Fay Wagley of Galveston.

The Mercury extends sincere condolence to the bereaved family.

Weimar Mercury, April 2, 1943
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Stapleton, Swift W.

Swift Stapleton's Funeral Services To Be Saturday

Swift W. Stapleton, colorful Negro resident of Colorado county, will be buried after funeral services Saturday afternoon in St. Paul Methodist church. Rev. Mason Johnson, pastor of St. Paul, will officiate. [Interment in Williams Cemetery.]

He died Sunday afternoon after a brief illness in Nightingale hospital in El Campo. His wife, Lena, died only last April.

Swift spent all his life in Colorado county in the Vox Populi community. Born there Mar. 21, 1885, he was a son of Martin Vann and Woodie Walker Stapleton.

One of the persons responsible for Extension service for Negroes, Swift was prominent in the cattle industry and a member of the Cattleman's Assn. For many years, he promoted cattle shows and rodeos and operated a cafe near Garwood. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Columbus Improvement Assn.

Members of Prince Hall lodge will be pallbearers.

He is survived by a sister , Mrs. Juanita Ward of Garwood, a brother, Lloyd Stapleton of Sealy, nieces, a nephew and an aunt, Mrs. Selma Brown of San Antonio.

Colorado County Citizen, September 14, 1967

Stapleton, William Lee

Wm. L. Stapleton, Eagle Lake Youth, Killed in Action

Word was received from the war department of the death of Wm. Lee Stapleton, 20, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lee Stapleton of Eagle Lake. Young Stapleton was a seaman first class and is Eagle Lake’s first war casualty, during the present conflict.

The message received by the parents stated he was killed in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country. The remains were interred in locale of death, the message said.

All of Colorado County mourns with the parents in the tragic death of this young man, who died that the rest of us may live.

Weimar Mercury, December 11m 1942, page 1

Stapleton’s Body Due At E. Lake Soon

The body of William Lee Stapleton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Stapleton of Eagle Lake, former Weimar people, is due to be returned home in the near future for burial there, it is reported.

The young sailor’s remains arrived with those of more than 2800 other war dead from the South Pacific area on February 10.

He was first buried on a small island about twenty miles from Guadalcanal. He will be given a military funeral at Eagle Lake when the remains reach that city, where the VFW post has been named for him.

Weimar Mercury, February 27, 1948

Body of Wm. Lee Stapleton To Arrive Here Soon

William Lee Stapleton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Stapleton, young Eagle Lake sailor who lost his life in a naval engagement in the South Pacific during World War II will shortly be returned to Eagle Lake for burial.

Young Stapleton, together with more than 2800 war dead from the South Pacific area arrived in the United States aboard the Transport “Cardinal O’Connell” at San Francisco February 10th.

Billy, as he was affectionately known to family and friends was born in Eagle Lake on August 29, 1922 and attended Eagle Lake School until his senior year when he sought the permission of his parents to enter the Untied States Navy on July 16, 1941 prior to the Pearl Harbor incident.

Together with six other Eagle Lake lads, Billy took his basic training in San Diego. He was serving aboard the U. S. S. McFarland when the ship was engaged in a naval battle and lost his life on October 16, 1942.

He was buried with full military honors on a small island about twenty miles from Guadalcanal. Last year his cemetery was abandoned and his body was brought to Guadalcanal to remain until arrangement could be made for the trip home. The “Cardinal O’Connell” is reported to have stopped in the Hawaiian Island for memorial services.

No definite word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton as to when the body will arrive in Eagle Lake for burial, but it is expected in the near future for interment in Lakeside Cemetery.

The newly organized Post of Veterans of Foreign Wars received the family’s permission to name their post in honor of this young sailor who was the first Eagle Lake serviceman to lose his life in action in World War II.

Eagle Lake Headlight, February 20, 1948
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Stapleton, William Michael "Mike"

Funeral Services For Mr. W. M. Stapleton At Borden Sunday

Funeral services for Mr. William Michael ("Mike") Stapleton, 81,who spent all but twenty years of his life in the Borden section, were held from the Columbus Funeral Home in Columbus Sunday afternoon, Dec. 22, at 3:00 o'clock, with interment in the Borden Cemetery.

The Rev. C. L. Boone officiated, assisted by the Rev. Daniel E. Hogan of Weimar and W. M. Haverfield, pastor of the Orchard, Texas Baptist Church.

The body was laid to rest beside that of the late Mrs. Stapleton, who died in March 1943.

Born at Borden in 1865, he was the son of Seaborn and Catherine Nave Stapleton. At the age of 20, he married Miss Frances ("Frankie") Bradley, at Borden, where the couple settled down to a life of farming. They later moved to Waller County, where they were residents for 20 years, returning to Borden afterward.

A familiar figure around Weimar, "Mr. Mike" had hundreds of friends in this section. After his wife's death, he lived alone on his Borden farm until very recently when he went to live with a daughter. The Rev. Boone recalled in his eulogy Sunday that Mr. Stapleton, who had always been active in spite of an artificial leg, had mounted his horse and ridden to Live Oak to attend church services only four weeks ago.

Death came to him suddenly last Friday, the day before his sixty-first wedding anniversary, while he was at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frankie Watson, in Edna.

He was member of the First Baptist Church here.

Left to mourn his passing are: two sons, Jim Stapleton of Corpus Christi and E. O. Stapleton of Houston; seven daughters, Mrs. W. H. Austin of Santa Monica, Calif., Mrs. F. W. Miles of El Campo, Mrs. U. S. McMillan of El Campo, Mrs. W. H. Wagley of Galveston, Mrs. L. W. Watson of Edna, Mrs. Dora Conner of Orchard and Mrs. Grace Harigel of Montgomery, Alabama.

The Weimar Mercury, December 27, 1946
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright