GERALD S. STAPLES

PRESQUE ISLE – Gerald S. Staples, 91, passed away Friday, April 27, 2007, at a Presque Isle health care facility after a short illness. He was born Aug. 30, 1915, in Presque Isle, the son of David and Margaret (Sharp) Staples. He lived and farmed on the family farm in Presque Isle his entire life. Even in his later years he was always interested in the farm, what was happening and how the crop was. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his old friends. He loved sharing stories with family and friends about life as it was in his early years. He was a member of Trinity Lodge No. 130, Garfield Chapter No. 48 Royal Arch Masons, St. Aldemar Commandery No. 17 and Anah Shriners. He was a life member of Aroostook County Shrine Club. Gerald was predeceased by his wife Edna, Dec. 11, 2003. Also predeceasing him were five brothers, Ernest “Mike,” Wendell, Philip, Quenten “Kent” and Wesley; and by a special nephew, Jim Hosey. He is survived by four sisters-in-law, Janet Staples of Palm Harbor, Fla., Hazel Staples of Presque Isle, Iona Staples of Mapleton and Joan Staples of Falmouth; five nieces, Margaret Hosey of West Yarmouth, Mass., Sheila Thompson and husband, Michael, of Presque Isle, Linda Lavway and husband, Kendell, of Mapleton and Debbie Rogers and husband, Garth, of Bangor, Valerie Wen-dell of Presque Isle; and three nephews, Richard Staples and wife, Germaine, of Mansfield Center, Conn., and David Staples and wife, Linda, of Palm Harbor, Fla., and Gregory Staples and wife, Connie, of Presque Isle, plus many special great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He will be missed by friends, Roger Hoffses, Ann and Bob Rice. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to all the wonderful nurses, doctors, care givers and friends who were there for him during these last few months. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, with the Rev. Kevin Kierstead officiating. Interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle. Relatives and friends may call from noon until time of service. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, Anah Aaonms, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402-0735 or to C-A-N-C-E-R, P.O. Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769.