Alfred Thyrle Stapley, 92, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on May 12, 2020 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born to Thyrle “H” and Ruth Openshaw Stapley in Mesa, AZ on April 20, 1928. “Fred,” the eldest of four brothers, led an active and hard-working life serving two years in the U.S. Navy submarines, and thirty-four years with the O.S. Stapley Company reaching the position of general manager of Arizona Hardware Company. He was twice elected president of the Downtown Phoenix Kiwanis Club requiring the suspension of club rules by vote of the members. For over 14 years he was a member of the Maricopa County Parks Commission, serving as Chairman for 3 separate terms. He was ordained a Bishop at the age of twenty-eight. Later, after moving to Mesa, Fred became the Scoutmaster of BSA Troup 250. The troop flourished under his leadership due to his detailed involvement in all aspects of scouting plus developing their fund-raising project of placing U.S. flags in front of many businesses and homes in Mesa, south of Main Street several times each year. In addition to purchasing and renovating a retired school bus to haul the entire troop together on their various outings, the flag project provided sufficient funds to pay 50% of the cost for each boy to attend summer camp at Geronimo, near Payson, AZ. In 1974 Fred was involved in starting Stapley Wholesale, a plumbing supply company. His son, Jack, joined him shortly thereafter. During his life he selflessly helped many needy individuals and served in various church positions. Fred married Loraine Doris Garrett on January 5, 1945 who blessed him with four children; Vicki Jeanne (Dale Porter), Alfred Thyrle, Jr. (Roberta), David Ross (Marcia), and John “Jack” Garrett (Melody). To date they have 16 grandchildren, 72 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, and siblings; James Paul Stapley (Cleo), Richard Del Stapley (Irma Dawn) and survived by Don Karl Stapley.
Fred will be missed, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is having a wonderful reunion with many beloved family and friends that have previously passed. At this time, services are pending, due to restrictions on gatherings. His family wishes to thank the staff at ColdSprings Assisted Living Facility for the loving and compassionate care given to Fred during his last several months.
Our sincerest condolences go out to all family and friends . May he Rest in Eternal Peace ❤️🙏❤️
Love you Grandpa! We will miss hearing your stories while nibbling on your candy. So many wonderful memories.
I loved my Grandpa Fred. He taught me so much, primarily through my childhood and early adolescence, as I attended “Fun Camp” at his cabin in Strawberry, AZ. From transplanting young pine trees to cutting down old pine trees, with learning proper dining etiquette and how to make a scout egg mixed in between. I am grateful for all that my Grandpa has come to mean to me. He was a great advocate of my university studies and was proud that I was pursuing the field of pharmacy. I’m grateful to be a pharmacist today, and I will always have joy in my heart when thinking of Fred.
-Grandchild #16
So sorry for your loss but he had profound affect on all that knew him. Because of the faith of the family you will be together again in Heaven.
Fred, you have served your family and your Heavenly Father well. It is now your time to be with and enjoy the reunion of those that have gone before you. You have been a person that have helped many people here. You have shared your knowledge and your funds to help missionaries and many others to help teach the gospel of our Heavenly Father. You have helped others to Learn that they too can reach their goals if they will put in the work. You have worked with youth to teach them that they too are children of God. Now is your time to enjoy those that have gone before you. Your sweet wife Doris will greet you with open arms. You will be missed but remembered for all the good things you have done while you were here.
Uncle Fred always took care of all of his family. He helped in any way he could. His boys camp was always a welcome summer for my brother. He was very much loved and will be truly missed by all. I am grateful for the plan of salvation and that I know he is back with Aunt Doris and all of our family in heaven.
Fred was a friend and mentor. He is obviously an excellent father and leader in life. Fred you left a great legacy and we will see you at the great family reunion in heaven! Save me a scoop of home made ice cream.
I will always think of my Troop 250 Scout Master whenever I see a flag in front of a home or business on a holiday. I was there when Troop 250 received the prestigious “President’s Ribbon” for the construction of a rope bridge over the Verde River. That bridge was taken down and went back home with the troop.
Fred has built a lot of bridges that will never be taken down. Thanks for the life long Woods/Stapley friendship.