Bernard Neil ‘Bernie’ Stapleton

Sept. 25, 1915 — June 23, 2009

MONTROSE — Bernard Neil “Bernie” Stapleton went to be with the Lord, June 23, 2009 at San Juan Living Center in Montrose. Bernie was born Sept. 25, 1915 to William and Sally (Lewis) Stapleton in Aspen, Colo. He spent his childhood and graduated high school in Aspen. Bernie served his country in the United States Air Force from June 14, 1941 to November 1945. He married Marjorie Creel on July 17, 1943 in Greensboro, N.C.  Marjorie preceded him in death on Feb. 19, 1992 in Montrose. Following their marriage, Bernie and Marjorie moved to his home in Aspen where they lived on the Stapleton Ranch until 1970. Following their retirement, the Stapletons moved to Montrose where they made their home until Bernie’s time of death. Bernie was a member of the Montrose Christian Church and the Masons. He had been a member of the Aspen Elk’s Lodge No. 224 until moving to Montrose. Bernie enjoyed fishing and hunting. He enjoyed his flowers, spending time in his garden and his orchard. He and his wife enjoyed golfing together in their younger years.  Bernie never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with friends and spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his children, William (Paula) Stapleton of Montrose, Colo., Diane (T.J.) Brownson of Grand Junction, Colo., Sandra (Tom) Davis of Montrose, Colo; sister, Nicki of Conifer, Colo; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie, four brothers, three sisters, one grandson and one granddaughter. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009, at 2 p.m., at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel with Hospice Chaplain, Don Barr officiating. Burial will follow the service at Grand View Cemetery, Montrose. A visitation is scheduled for two hours prior to the funeral service on Friday. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.