STAPLEY, Donald Thomas (Tom)

The Arizona Republic 3/25/2010 Stapley, Donald Thomas ("Tom") passed away on March 22, 2010. He was a "giant" of a man in his love of family, church, and community and he served each of them faithfully to the end of his life. He was born on March 3, 1926 in Phoenix and was raised near the Roosevelt Historic District in what is now downtown. He was a 4th generation Arizona native of pioneer heritage, and was proud of that great legacy of effort and determination. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Elaine, in 2008. Together, they had busily raised their 5 children (4 sons and 1 daughter) in Mesa. Tom took great joy in the experiences of his life and that zest brought back to him many responsibilities. He served as President of Mesa Rotary Club, on numerous Boards and Commissions, and for nearly 2 decades on the Maricopa County Hospital Board. He was particularly pleased to be a founding member of the Mesa HoHoKams, the service group responsible for attracting and hosting the Chicago Cubs Spring Training to Mesa and started what has become Cactus League Spring Training Baseball. He was also very involved in Church Young Men's programs, raising his sons in the Boy Scouts of America traditions and taking them camping, hunting and fishing. After a 12 year career with the O.S. Stapley Company hardware and farm equipment business, he set out on his own as a Real Estate Broker and Developer, where he developed subdivisions, shopping centers, and other commercial enterprises in the Mesa area. Church service was the highlight of Tom Stapley's married life as Tom served in many teaching and support roles for the Mormon Church. From 1974 to 1977 he presided over the Church's Missionary work in the State of Washington, northern Idaho and northeastern Oregon. He loved his service as a Mission President and all of the hundreds of young men and women missionaries he served with. Upon returning to Mesa, Tom was called into a Stake Presidency, and he also was set apart as a "sealer" in the Mesa L.D.S. Temple. He loved his service in the Temple, and served with deep devotion for over 24 years, having performed well over 1300 marriages. Tom is the honored patriarch of his family and is survived by his children Robert (Debbie), Don (Kathy), Gary (Nanci), Phil (Pat) and Susan Kirkpatrick (Gary); 25 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren as well as two sisters, Mildred Dana and Patty Sue Norton. A visitation will be held Friday, March 26th from 6-8 PM at Bunker's Garden Chapel, 33 North Centennial Way in Mesa, AZ. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 10 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior at the L.D.S. Val Vista Lakes Stake Center, 1005 North Voyager in Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship program has been set up with the Mesa Public Schools for a deserving graduate of the O.S. Stapley Jr. High (named in honor of Tom's Grandfather) and Mountain View High School who is entering a college or University to study business or accounting. Donations can be sent to the Tom Stapley Scholarship Fund c/o Stapley Jr. High, 3250 East Hermosa Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213 in memory and honor of Tom Stapley.