Clarence A. Stapleton, 88 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 12:38 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2008 in the Adams Memorial Hospital, following an extended illness. Clarence was born on Tuesday, February 17, 1920 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, the son of the late Clarence Stapleton and the late Eva (Grasshoff) Stapleton. He married Eleanor L. Smith on November 15, 1947 in Woodburn, Indiana and she survives. Clarence was a member of the Decatur Church of God, where he had been chairman of the building committee and had taught Sunday School. Clarence was a longtime active member of the church; he had served the church on numerous boards. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #43. He was a graduate of Decatur High School Class of 1939. Clarence served his country in the United States Army during World War II in Europe. Clarence retired in 2004 from P & H Supply as a salesman; he had worked for Meyer Plumbing and Hauk's Plumbing; owned and operated Decatur Plumbing & Heating; co-owned and operated Culligan Water with Rex Moore; and was a salesman for Strickler Trailer Sales. Surviving are his wife, Eleanor L. Stapleton of Decatur, Indiana, daughter, Nancy A. (Ed) Steiner of Decatur, Indiana, granddaughter, Christine (James) Cantwell of Bloomington, Indiana, and one brother, Robert Stapleton of Tuscon, Arizona. Preceding Clarence in death was one son, Tony Wayne Stapleton on April 19, 1969. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2008 in the Decatur Church of God with Dr. Robert Brink and Pastor Matt Moore officiating. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2008 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday. Preferred memorials are to the Decatur Church of God Choir.
