William Louis Staples

William Louis Staples - Known as Bill or Bo Jack by friends and family, was born January 28th, 1941 in Lambert, Mississippi to William and Verda Staples. Bill graduated from Douglass High School in Memphis, TN He was a member of the marching band and played the slide trombone. He then proudly served his country in the Army, receiving an Honorably Discharged in 1966 and then going on to graduate from the University of Utah with a BS in Civil Engineering (1974).

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Staples, Sr. and mother, mother, Verda Lee Staples, siblings, Bessie Holland, Will Davis, Erma Jean Staples, Joe Louis Staples and LaDorothy Mathis all of Memphis, TN.

Bill is survived by children, Deniece Staples of Seattle, WA, Vahid Staples and wife Amy of Albuquerque, NM, Grandchildren, Lauren Staples, and Meredith Staples of Albuquerque, NM, siblings, JD Miller, Racine, WI and Vera Staples, Chicago, IL and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins (over 100)

Bill became a member of the Baha’i Faith in 1966. He loved to build things and was involved in the construction plans and building of countless bridges, roads, and culverts. His profession as an engineer took him from Utah, Puerto Rico, Alaska, New Mexico and finally to Oregon where he retired with the Bureau of Indian Affairs after 30 years of service. He loved the Pacific Northwest for its culture, people and natural beauty. He worked for several more years as a Driver for Tri-Met where he continued to grow his circle of friends.

He loved the outdoors. Camping and fishing, and even lounging in the swimming pool when he lived in Albuquerque were among his favorite activities. He valued education and perseverance as a path to success in life.

The world lost a truly amazing father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend but he will live on through the values he instilled in others and the generosity he displayed.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Negro College Fund or the American Heart Association.