Clarence J. Staples of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Monday, February 1, 2010, at the Grace Living Center in Jenks, Oklahoma, at the age of 83 years.

Clarence J. Staples was born on October 30, 1926, in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He was the son of George Leslie and Thelma A. (Mitchell) Staples. He grew up in the Braman area attending Braman Public Schools graduating from Braman High School in 1944. After his education he entered the United States Army serving during World War II in the Philippines and Japan. On January 26, 1947, he married Treva Mardell "Sue" Anderson at the First Church of God Parsonage in Blackwell, and they made their home in Blackwell, Oklahoma. He also coached many years in Blackwell Summer Baseball Leagues. Clarence briefly went to work for Knox Auto and Frisco Railroad in Blackwell before joining Cities Services Gas Company. After 35 years of service he retired in 1987. All of his years of service were in Blackwell except 1956 – 1960 when he worked in Wichita, Kansas. After retiring they continued to make Blackwell their home. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his family. He was a member of the First Church of God in Blackwell. In May of 2009, they moved to Jenks, Oklahoma, to make their home. On January 26, 2010, they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Clarence's family would also like thank all of his fishing and golfing buddies for their life-long friendship.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Staples of Jenks, Oklahoma; one daughter, Cheryl Keith and husband Dean of Tulsa, Oklahoma; one son, Gary Staples of Blackwell, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Kelly (Keith) Graham and husband Chris of Moore, Oklahoma, Kristin (Keith) Carter and husband Alton of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Cole Keith of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and six great grandchildren, Logan and Carson Dunn, Brett and Gracie Graham, and Kelton and Colin Carter.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 4, 2010, in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with James W. Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery with military rites performed by the Blackwell American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Casketbears will be Alton Carter, Chris Graham, Logan Dunn, Cole Keith, Dean Keith and Gary Staples.

Honorary casketbearers will be Merle Summers Myron Smith, Morgan Bergman, Wayne Shepherd, Cecil Day, Lennie DeBoard, Mark Grell and Don Goff.

Memorials have been established at the First Christian Church Monday Night Feast or the First United Methodist Church Wednesday Night Meals in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120. W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.