Thomas Alan Stapleton

Thomas Alan "Thom" Stapleton, 78, of Casa Grande died Nov. 15, 2008 at home after a long and courageous battle, surrounded by his immediate family.


Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kortsen Building, in the Relief Society room. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. A gathering will follow at Fairways clubhouse.

Mr. Stapleton was born Dec. 14, 1929 in West Brownsville, Pa., and was a son of James and Ada Valera Stapleton. He served in the Army Air Corps. He spent most of his adult life in Arizona. He worked in the communications sector for 45 years before retirement and was a supervisor. He was devoted to his family.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Jean; two daughters, Deborah Houston of Casa Grande and Cindy Stapleton of North Carolina; a son, Terry A. Stapleton of Phoenix; a sister, Mary Lou Coppinger of Boise, Idaho; a brother, Joe Stapleton of Roosevelt Lake; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Tommy Dean Stapleton.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona, 1675 E. Monument Plaza Drive, Casa Grande, AZ 85222.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.