Cary Edward Staples

Cary Edward Staples, 91, of Grawn, MI and Lady Lake, FL passed away Friday, June 1, 2018 at Mission Oaks Assisted Living in Oxford, FL. Cary was born May 6, 1927 to William and Cecelia (Simon) Staples in Detroit, MI. He attended Cooley High School, and just after his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served overseas as a Gunner's Mate 3rd Class on the USS LFI #807. He returned to Detroit where he worked at his father's gas station and attended Meinzinger Art School and Wayne State University. His skill as an artist led him to work at Ternstedt, Div. of GM, as Sr. Engineering Artist, Detroit Edison as Sr. Commercial Artist, and General Motors Styling Div. as Sr. Graphic Designer from where he retired. He often worked two jobs moonlighting for various creative studios designing symbols and graphics for engraving onto gun stocks and archery bows, as well as creating product packaging. Cary's free time was spent improving the family homes installing patios and porches, building backyard swing sets, outdoor toys, winter skating rinks, and remodeling rooms. He also improved his artistic talents by studying and sketching, creating pen & ink illustrations, acrylic paintings, wood carvings, photography, and silk screening. In 1946 he married Norma Jean Brugh and they had two children; Sharon and Cordell. After the end of his marriage to Norma Jean, he married Lorraine Dharte who passed away in 2003. He married Joy Wallis Ostrander on December 20, 2003. He and Joy enjoyed wintering in Florida, and returning to their home on Duck Lake in the summers. He is survived by his wife Joy Staples; daughter Sharon Staples (Dean Purcey), granddaughter Rebecca Sabo; stepchildren Lynn (Doug) Worthington, Valerie (Brian) Himick, Lisa (Mike) Cofield, and Joy Kalmanek. He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Norma Jean, his 2nd wife Lorraine; son Cordell, step son Peter Ostrander, sister Doris Hardy, and his parents. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. The family will receive family and friends following the graveside service at 3:30 p.m. at the home of Valerie and Brian Himick. In lieu of flowers the family requests that expressions of sympathy be directed to the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight. (www.mid-michiganhonorflight.com).

Cary Edward Staples

May 6, 1927 - June 1, 2018