Larry Wayne Staples Sept. 21, 1948 - April 26, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Larry Wayne Staples (65) passed away April 26, 2014, at Sylvia's Hospice House in Ocala, Florida. Born on September 21, 1948, in Mt. Hermon, Kentucky, Larry was the son of the late Noah Everett Staples and Verda Susan (Jackson) Staples. Larry is survived by three daughters, Susan (Bo), Joyce, and Beth (Barry); his granddaughter, Holly; brother, Ray (Mary Lou); sisters, Dee (Ray), Jewel, Caroline (Jerry), and Margaret; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and lifelong friend, Ed Scholl of Tennessee. Due to the tragic death of his parents when he was a year old, he was raised by his Aunt, Nola Greer (Mom), in South Bend, Indiana, where he lived for most of his life before moving to Florida. Larry attended Central High School in South Bend, and enjoyed numerous careers throughout his life. Larry lived passionately with a heart of gold. He never met a stranger. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox. He also enjoyed playing softball and bowling. Larry leaves us with these words: "I'm Free. Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard His call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of day." The family would like to thank Sylvia's Hospice team and neighbor Christy Johnson and family for their love and dedication in caring for Larry in his final days. Donations may be made in his name to Hospice of Marion County, Florida, hospiceof marion.com/donations.html. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has occurred. Thoughts, remembrances and expressions of sympathy may be made to Baldwin Cremation, baldwincremation .com/obituaries.


.Published in South Bend Tribune on May 7, 2014