Obituary of Charles J. Stapleton

Charles J. Stapleton Blountville - Charles J. Stapleton, 82, of Blountville, passed away Wednesday morning February 12, 2014 at Indian Path Medical Center with his loving family at his side. He was born in Scott County, VA and lived most of his life in Sullivan County. He was honorably discharged from the United States navy in 1950. Soon after he married the love of his life, Iva Greene, and they were blessed with nearly 52 years of marriage. Charles was a retired welder and a member of the International Association of Bridge Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers Union. He was very proud to have helped to build the structures used in launching the first astronaut to land on the moon. After retiring he enjoyed working at Banner Star Flea Market in Abington, VA for many years. He also owned and operated Stapleton's Welding Shop for several years. He attended First Apostolic Christian Church. Charles was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a strong dependable and faithful man who took great pride in both his work and providing for his family. His friendly smile and sweet personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Iva Stapleton; darling daughter, Theresa Crawford, parents, Charlie and Etta "Faye" Stapleton; sisters, Helen Queen and Marie Kern. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving granddaughters, Heather Ketron and husband Brian and Amber Crawford and boyfriend Travis Lanning; beloved great grandchildren, Brittany Drinnon and Michael Ketron; sister, Lorene Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Saturday February 15, 2014 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga Street, Kingsport or anytime at the residence. A service will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Tommy Benton, Assistant Pastor Freddie Redman, Jr. and Rev. Ron Owens officiating. Music will be provided by Joel Waldron, Roy Brickey, Shelby Nottingham, Beth Shepherd and pianist Betty Benton. A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday at Oak Hill Memorial Park with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 3/265. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Family and friends who wish to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home 1 pm Sunday. Honorary pallbearers will be his great grandson, namesake, and special buddy Michael Bruin Charles Ketron. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 1 pm to go to cemetery in a procession,. The family would like to that the ICU nurses, physicians, respiratory therapist and staff at Indian Path Medical Center for their caring for Charles. And, to extend a special thanks to Ify, Chaplain Ron, Josh Smith, Ashley, Kerri and Dr. Garcia whose compassion, skill and friendship was heaven sent at a time we needed it most. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Stapleton family.