WESLEY W. STAPLES SR. SWANS ISLAND – Wesley Warren Staples Sr., 81, died Sept. 24, 2005, at an Ellsworth hospital. He was born March 2, 1924, the son of Herman W. and Amy M. (Joyce) Staples. Wes married his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary (Burns) Staples, Nov. 14, 1942, on Swans Island. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army fighting in Normandy, France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe, where he won the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal and the Middle-European-African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon. Wes was a member of the No. 150 IOOF of Swans Island. He was a talented cabinetmaker and metalworker. He built his own home and furniture, as well as several boats. Wes was active on the planning board for more than 30 years and was very instrumental in getting the ferry to serve Swans Island. He served on the school board for 10 years and on the Swans Island Electric Co-op Board. He was a founding member and manager of the Swans Island Fisherman’s Co-op for six years. He was also one of the founding members of the Swans Island Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Wesley W. Staples II, of Los Angles, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Bud Staples. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. until the time of funeral services which will be noon, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005, at the Island Light Methodist Church, Swans Island, with the Rev. David Uber presiding. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Atlantic. Those who desire may make contributions in Wes’s memory to the Island Light Methodist Church, care of Gwen May, P.O. Box 5, Swans Island, ME 04685. <
WESLEY W. STAPLES SR.
