Mark Staples

Mark Whitaker Staples Beloved Patriarch Our dad, Mark Whitaker Staples, 81, passed away November 24, 2009 in Salt Lake City, Utah due to the complications of age. He was born September 5, 1928 in Kanosh, Utah, son of Owen Crane and Melba Whitaker Staples. He graduated from Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah. He was in the occupation army in Japan during World War II. He then served an LDS Mission in the Netherlands. He received his bachelors and masters degrees from BYU. He met and married Betty Whitehead March 4, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. They raised 2 daughters and 7 sons. He taught religious education (seminary) for 35 years in the Church Educational System. He and Mother served missions together in the California San Jose Mission and in the Canada Toronto Temple. He served faithfully as Father, Bishop, and Stake Patriarch. He became ill during his stay in the Silverado Care Center where he passed. His family enjoyed him up to his passing away at 4:15 in the morning. We will miss Dad and his loving smile and shining blue eyes. He loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His greatest desire was to gather his family and help them feel Gods Love for them. Survived by wife, Betty; children: Mark O. (Jana), Scott (Susan), Brent (Debbie), Jonathon (Denice), Deborah (Kevin) Tindall, Lisa (Kevin) Kirkpatrick, Benjamin (Brenda), Paul (Corin), Richard (Jennifer); 40 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Renan Stevens, Rhea Middleton, Janet Evans, David, Donna Benson, Clarissa Davis, and Kathy Beynon. Preceded in death by parents, Owen and Melba; brothers: Devere, Alton and Milton. The family wishes to express special appreciation and gratitude for the compassionate care of the doctors and staff at the Silverado Care Center. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 30, 2009, 12:00 noon at the Taylorsville Utah Central Stake Center, 4950 South 1950 West, Taylorsville, Utah. Viewings will be held Sunday, 5-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Monday at the church, 10:30- 11:30 a.m. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the LDS Church General Missionary Fund.