Edward Staples

Edward Eugene "Gene" Staples Edward Eugene "Gene" Staples, born in Amherst County, December 17, 1936, died at Fairmont Crossing in Amherst, July 4, 2012, where he was a temporary resident because of the recent windstorm leaving many homes without electric power.

Son of Reed B. Staples and Pauline Gordon Staples. Gene was preceded in death by his father, both his paternal and maternal grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles. He always carried special memories of his "Uncle Ernie"; and a devoted cousin, Charles R. Gordon.

Gene is survived by his wife, Shelby Farmer Staples; his son, Jason Eugene Staples, both of Madison Heights. Also surviving are his beloved mother, Pauline G. Staples; his brother, Carl W. Staples; and his sister, Frances S. Edgemon; as well as two aunts, Louise G. Patteson, of Amherst, and Myrtle G. Surber, of Lynchburg; two nieces, Karen E. Hodges, of Richmond, and Amy E. Dawson, of Amherst; and other cousins in Maryland, Delaware, South Carolina and Virginia, of which he had two special ones - Carolyn Fellner and her dear husband, Ambrose, and Kenneth Gordon, all of Maryland.

Gene had many friends in his lifetime, because of his kind heart, because he was so much fun to be with, because he was truly and genuinely a good and decent man. Lots of these friends were musicians, as was Gene, who was recognized for many years as one of the better rhythm guitarists in the area. Clay Paulette, of Richmond, was one such musician friend, predeceasing Gene by several years.

Gene is survived by three special friends, James Moorefield, of Madison Heights, who Shelby and Jason are grateful to for his constant "keeping check," on Gene; and Preston Garrett, of Lynchburg, for being there from the beginning as best man in the wedding of Gene and Shelby and remaining a loyal friend all these many long years; and finally, Gene's much loved beagle, "Bucky," turning eighteen just 3 days ago.

Gene was educated in Amherst County Schools and went to work for the late Bernard McDearman, former owner of the Amherst New Era-Progress newspaper, while still in his teens, as a linotype operator, being tutored by Page Stinnett, of Clifford. From there, and with the encouragement of "Mac," Gene went on to Danville Technical Institute in Danville, Virginia to further his education in the printing industry. Later, Gene worked for J.P. Bell Company, Cri-Mutual Press and Eubank Printing Co., all of Lynchburg, going from linotype operator to sales before starting his own printing business, Express Press Printers, in 1981. He operated this business for 20 years, after which he spent many happy hours on the golf course at Winton Country Club, playing his guitar on his back porch in the summer, and in front of the fire in the winter with his wonderful, happy-souled friends.

Shelby and Jason would like to acknowledge the care and kindness of the staff of Centra Hospice; the extreme kindness and care of RN staff member, Kendall Campbell, of Fairmont Crossing, and the other staff there also. Fairmont exceeded our expectations for the four days Gene was there. Gene's beloved brother, Carl W., was a dependable caregiver to his brother in his attention to all aspects of Gene's needs during these increasingly hard months, for which Jason and Shelby will always remember and be grateful. Also, great gratitude to Dr. Richard Bendall and Dr. David Truitte for their years of service to Gene - two fine men and doctors always willing to go that extra mile to make things better, if they could.

Gene Staples, a man of many talents, a man with a huge heart to love with, a man of which his wife and son are sure they will never see the likes of again, loved a simple life - good friends and good food, especially his mother's hot biscuits or scratch chocolate cake or pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, with pumpkins fresh from the field, and a freezer of peach ice cream in the summer and a good ole' "laze-around" hound dog at his feet. He loved looking at old family photos and remembering "back when."

Shelby and Jason are saddened beyond words at their loss of this wonderful husband and father, and in considering the coming years, know they will miss him and long for the sound of his voice, the touch of his hands, the wisdom and soundness of his advice, and will be eternally grateful that God chose them to give this man to ... always.

At the request of Gene, he is to be cremated and his ashes placed in a special location at his childhood home in a private family service sometime in the Fall. Until that time, Gene will be at his home with his wife and son. There will be no further services.

For those wishing to remember Gene, memorial donations to the Humane Society of Amherst Co., PO Box 614, Amherst, VA 24521, or to the Monelison Rescue Squad, PO Box 56, Madison Heights, VA 24572, would be appreciated.