John William Stapleton

John William “John Boy” Stapleton, 70 of Odessa, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at home surrounded by family.

John was born on February 11, 1953, in Independence, MO to William Reed and Mildred Ellen (Harra) Stapleton of Buckner.  John was united in marriage to Debra Renee Moore on February 20, 1982, in Independence, MO.  John was a faithful servant and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Odessa.  He was a proud and longtime member of the Construction and General Laborers’ Local Union #264 and retired from J.E. Dunn in 2001 after 30 plus years of service. 

John had a love for the outdoors, his dogs and other animals, and all things farming.  He spent a lot of his retirement years hunting, fishing, Skeet shooting and Trap shooting.  Of course, these things took a backseat when it came time for the regularly scheduled runs to Cargo Largo with Debbie.  She was his world and he loved him some bargains.  In addition to tending to his own farm, John could most often be found mowing, weed eating,  cutting & bailing hay or just lending a helping hand to anyone he found in need.  He had a huge heart and took pride in helping others and spending time with his family and friends. 

John is survived by his wife of 41 years, Debbie Stapleton of Odessa, MO; one sister, Barbara Jo Nelson-Gorsage of Independence, MO; sister-in-law, Kathy Stapleton of Booneville, MO; brother-in-law, Randy Moore of Lexington, MO; sister-in-law, Tammy Alexander (Jim Alexander) of Warsaw, MO; one uncle, Marshall Stapleton (Terry Stapleton); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

John was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carol Jean Denney of Blue Springs, MO; a brother, Larry Allen Stapleton of Buckner, MO and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orville and Johnnie Moore of Lexington, MO. 

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 S. 2^nd St., Odessa, MO, 64076, 816-633-5524.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 300 E. Crestview Dr., Odessa, MO, 64076.  Interment will be at Buckner Hill Cemetery in Buckner, MO. 

Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Debbie Stapleton for a charity to be chosen at a later date.  Memories of John and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.