John Merritt Staples

April 29, 1940 - September 1, 2015

John Merritt Staples, age 75, died Tuesday night , September 1, 2015. Born April 29, 1940, in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Luke Staples and Mary (Johnston) Staples of Kingsport Tennessee. He was predeceased by his wife, Francis Jennifer Staples of Hilton, Virginia. He was also predeceased by his great grandson, Jayce Staples of Hesparia, California. John (Johnny) worked for the Eastman Kodak company for over 30 years. He loved living on Boone Lake and loved sharing that with his family. He enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting and his dogs. He loved to travel and was fortunate to see many places around the world. John is survived by his son, John Patrick Staples and daughter in law, Patricia Staples of Hesparia, Ca.. His daughter Merritt Kimberly Lawton and son in law, Mikal Lawton of Winter Park, Fl.. John loved his grandchildren and is survived by five. Aaron Reilly of College Park, Fl., Scott Staples of Huntington Beach, Ca., Ashley Reilly of Winter Park, Fl., Brandon Staples of Hesparia, Ca., Adam Reilly of Winter Park,Fl.. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Jackson.