Michael Eugene Stapleton

Michael Eugene Stapleton passed away August 14, 2016. He was born at West Point, New York to Wilbur and Betty (McKinnie) Stapleton on July 6, 1951. He graduated from Haven High School, Haven, Kansas in 1969 and attended Washburn University. He married Susan Kendall on February 14, 1998. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Susan Irene.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, brother, Patrick Stapleton, Topeka, sister, Cathy Thomas, Topkea, two biological children, son, Christopher Stapleton, Louisiana and a daughter, Sherra (Amanda Martinez) Stapleton, Topeka, and daughters, Jill (Terry) Velan, Evanston, IL, Keri (Jeff) Smith, Olathe, KS and Jami (Don) Oden, Topeka. Eight grandchildren, Alexa Frye, Kylee Payne Dutch, Bailey Garcia, Mikaela Oden, Ashley and Zachary Smith, Benjamin and Madeline Velan, and one great-granddaughter Samria Payne.
Mike worked at the Youth Center at Topeka for 25 years and 15 years as a sales manager, general manager and district manager in the automotive service industry at Grease Monkey, Penske, Bridgestone Firestone, Wichita, Kansas and Bridgestone Firestone and Merlin 200,000 Miles Auto Shops in Illinois.
Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He and his father built and races cars in the 1970’s. In his later years, Mike loved to travel, visiting national and state parks and wildlife refuges, photographing and videoing wildlife. He loved his pets, Samantha, Eugene, and Princess. He was a much beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His humor, wisdom, spontaneity, generosity, and love of family and close friends are his lasting legacy. He will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at the Topeka Church of the Brethren Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.. Michael will lie in state at the funeral home on Wednesday and family visitation will be held from 6:30-8:00p.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home.