Charley Staples

Born May 20, 1947, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, in the arms of a loved one, Betzis Anciani, in Xalapa, Mexico, at the age of 64. One of three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charley S. Staples, he grew up in Baton Rouge. He graduated from Lee High School in Baton Rouge and Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe, in 1969, with a degree in agronomy. He enjoyed a successful business career prior to his retirement. He was preceded in death by his father, Charley Sitman Staples Sr.; and a nephew, Bruce Johnson. He is survived by his mother, Velma N. Staples, of Baton Rouge and Alexandria; a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Janet Staples, of Fort Collins, Colo.; a brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Susan Staples, of Alexandria; nieces and nephews, Michael David Staples, Bradley Staples, Junior Anciani, Jennifer Cross and Jeremy Cross; and great-nieces. His family would like to thank the many friends and extended family who loved and befriended Charley and Betzis during their extensive travel and residence in some of Mexico's historic cities, towns and villages. Charley loved God, life, his family and friends, music, nature, sports, horses and golden retrievers. Life was a great mystery to him and he delved into every nook and corner, enjoying life to the fullest. Visitation at Jefferson United Methodist Church, 10328 Jefferson Highway, on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10:30 a.m. until Christian service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11817 Jefferson Highway. Honorary pallbearers are Michael David Staples, Bradley Staples, Dale Devall, Dan DeLee Jr. and Tom Staples Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charley Staples Academic Scholarship Fund, c/o Rabenhorst Funeral Home.