Mr. Charles Edward Staples

In Loving Memory Of: Charles Edward Staples was born in Cairo, Illinois on May 30, 1939 to Jimmie and Mildred Staples. In 1942, the family relocated to Detroit, Michigan. Both parents preceded him in death. He was the second oldest of five children. His younger sisters Doris Redd and Pamela Shahid also preceded him in death. Charles accepted Christ at an early age and was a long time, devoted member of Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. His parents were a part of the founding members of the church which was originally pastored by Grant A. Friley. It is currently pastored by Kenneth G. Giles. Charles, his brother Jimmy, and the two Friley sons were the first to be baptized at Greater St. Mark. Charles was educated in the Detroit Public School System and graduated from Chadsey High School in 1957. While in high school, he was a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and he was on the swim team. He also played baseball for the City of Detroit Parks and Recreation Baseball League. Charles received a Computer Programming Diploma from Hallmark Business Machines Institute in April 1969. Later in life, he decided to further his education and earned an Associate Degree in Industrial Technology. He graduated Cum Laude from Baker College in March 1995. After high school, Charles was employed at Willow Run Airport. In 1963, he was drafted into the Army. He was chosen to serve as a Military Police Officer due to his excellent ROTC shooting record. He was a pistol and rifle Marksman. In November 1965, he began working for General Motors as an Assembly Line Worker. He worked in several capacities before he was promoted as an Electrician in 1972. Charles held that position until he retired on January 1, 2004. Charles met the love of his life, Pamala in 1959. They were joined in holy matrimony on November 30, 1963. Their wedding plans were almost postponed due to a scheduled deployment to Taiwan while he was serving in the Army. However, President Kennedy was assassinated, the deployment was cancelled, and he was allowed to return home to marry his bride-to-be. They were married for 57 years. Two children were born from this union: Linda and Charles II. In his teens, Charles was a member of The Sultans singing group which included his brother and cousins. He had a smooth, soulful singing voice. He said singing was his testimony to God. He sang in four out of five choirs at Greater St. Mark and was selected to sing lead on many songs. He was often called upon to sing at weddings and funerals. Charles also enjoyed fishing with his father and cousins. He was skillful at solving crossword puzzles, and he loved playing cards, chess, and checkers with his family on Friday nights. Additionally, he liked to draw and play horseshoes. Charles was not a man of many words; however, when he did speak, everyone listened. He was an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather. He took pride in protecting and providing for his family, and he loved spoiling his grandchildren.

Mr. Charles Edward Staples

May 30, 1939 - March 19, 2021