Joe G. Stapleton

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Gray Stapleton, who left this world on February 23, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 28, 1939, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Joe was the cherished son of the late Ralph and Ruth (Burke) Stapleton.

Joe spent his childhood in the tiny community of Ewing, Virginia nestled in Cumberland Mountains, where he first developed his unwavering work ethic on the farm with his grandfather, Millard. He moved with his parents and four siblings to Anderson, Indiana in the 1950’s.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army as a military police officer at Fort Shafter in Oahu, Hawaii. Joe often reminisced of his time in the military and joked about his difficult assignment of preventing civilians from entering the military beach. Following his honorable discharge, he began a long and fulfilling career at Delco-Remy as a press operator, from which he retired in 2001.

A true craftsman at heart, Joe had a passion for woodworking. He and his first wife, Dorathy, worked together to remodel and expand her childhood home into their dream home. He spent countless hours in his workshop creating anything from a small stamp dispenser to a large ornate armoire. He continued his labor of love to his final days as he was in the process of remodeling another home.

Joe’s love for the outdoors kept him active and vibrant. He was an avid gardener, dedicating two acres of land to grow and sell ambrosia sweet corn every summer. Joe found it relaxing to mow his peach orchard. He also enjoyed taking in a good baseball game, with a special fondness for the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs.

Joe was a stoic man of integrity and strength with a fiercely stubborn streak. He expressed his loyalty and devotion to those he loved through his steadfast support rather than his words. He had a heart of gold that touched everyone who came to know him.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Linda Stapleton; children, Mark (Divina Manship) Stapleton and Jessica (Bill Goodpaster) Stapleton; brother, Jerry (Connie) Stapleton; step-children Kelley Shipman-Gregory, Bill Shipman, Bobby Shipman and Robin Phillips.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Dorathy (Adams) Stapleton; siblings, Tom Stapleton, Diane Brown, and Joan Barker; and father and mother-in-law, Esta and Eldene Adams.

His visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory- Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013. The funeral ceremony will begin at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will conclude services at Vinson Memorial Park Cemetery in Summitville, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Arbor Day Foundation.

Join us as we remember and celebrate the life of Joe Gray Stapleton, a loving husband, father, brother, loyal friend, and a man whose legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Joe's services have been entrusted to Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory.