Chuck Stapp

Charles Lewis Stapp (Chuck) escaped this mortal realm on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, with the conviction that he was truly going home to heaven and to be with all of his loved ones who went before him. He said that he was "ready to go," yet that was how he lived his life ... always ready for the next big adventure!

He landed on this earth as the vigorous first-born child to Faye Edward Rogers Stapp and Lewis Franklin Stapp on August 16th, 1935 at home in Springfield, Missouri and never looked back. He became the self-appointed protector of his rowdy, car-loving brother Bobby Jack, his free-spirited sister Norma, and baby sister Sharon who kept Chuck so busy that any potential female companions stayed at arm's length.

As he grew up, his adventures continued after graduating from Central High School in Springfield. He attended college for two years, and then was drafted into the Army where he served overseas in Germany. One night on infantry patrol his platoon even captured a friendly crooner from Memphis named Elvis. He also told stories of guarding German concentration camps so that history could not be erased.

Once he returned stateside, he met a feisty blond named Mary Louis Miller and they secretly eloped. They then returned to their respective homes for months before telling their parents...scandalous and determined to say the least. However, this was the beginning of his love of being a devoted father with the birth of his son James Michael Stapp and then his daughter Melissa Stapp. One of his favorite songs was "Daddy's Hands," which is a testimony to how he loved them so dearly. Of course, this was only the beginning of the numerous wives and children and grandchildren he welcomed into his embrace when God chose to use him to help caretake each of them during times of illness and need, his purpose in life to help others being fulfilled. He welcomed 4 grandchildren from Michael: Amber Marie Stapp, Kayla Marie Stapp, David Michael Stapp, and McKenna Marie Stapp. With his second wife Claudia Stapp, he welcomed two step-sons: James Jackson and Mark Jackson. With his third wife Nancy Thigpen Stapp he welcomed two step-daughters: Ashlee Thigpen Howard (husband Tim, and step-granddaughter Gracie Howard) and Padgett Thigpen (step-grandson Payton Smith and step-granddaughter Sydney Smith). He also provided care and help with Nancy’s father, Rev. Hubert Foust, and her mother-in-law, DeFayne Thigpen. With his fourth wife Zelma Ruth Blevins Stapp he welcomed three more step-daughters: Sherelyn Thomas, Laura Stone Burch, and Delaine Stone and multiple other step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. God was not specific when he commanded to "be fruitful and multiply," so Chuck obeyed the best way he knew how!

His career spanned from the industrious to the hilarious as he worked for the Frisco/Burlington Northern Railroad for 37 years first doing engine repairs then becoming a draftsman during his tenure. He then dedicated his life after retirement to volunteering at a hospital, as a deacon for his church, and then clowning around as a registered clown named "Chuckles" or being Santa Claus for Christmas. He invested himself in every person he encountered to make each one feel special and cherished.

Charles Lewis Stapp chose not to live an ordinary life -- he chose instead to live an extraordinary life of service, love, and adamant devotion. We are so very grateful that he chose to share his life with us. He will forever be cherished in all of our hearts.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to High Tails Animal Sanctuary (hightailsanimalsanctuary.org), P. O. Box 25, Mt. Sterling, MO 65062.