Gerald Staley, son of the late Leonard Duane Staley and Leota Irene Williams Staley, was born January 22, 1953 in Howell County, Missouri and died May 29, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 65 years.
He was united in marriage May 16, 2014 in West Plains, Missouri to Audena Huddleston-Granger.
He is survived by his wife, Audena Huddleston-Granger Staley, of the home, Koshkonong, Missouri; four children, Jerry Granger and wife Becky, Alton, Missouri, Amanda Granger-Bettis and husband, Brad, Alton, Missouri, Jake Staley, Hamburg, Iowa, and Missy Ousley and husband, Woody, Rolla, Missouri; his mother-in-law, Elsa Huddleston, West Plains, Missouri; one brother, Ernest Staley and wife Carolyn, Koshkonong, Missouri; one sister, Rosemary Romans and husband Melvin, Koshkonong, Missouri; best friends, Wayne and Bobbie Reed, better known as brother; thirteen grandchildren, Alexa Smith and fiance, Benji Fitzsimmons; Jordan Robidoux, Justin Robidoux, Brandy Ferrell, Ethan Granger, Megan Dotson and husband, Zach, Taylor Barton, Kassidy Barton, Rylee Barton, Mady Vinson, McKenzie Bettis, Braden Bettis, and Kiley Bettis; eight great grandchildren, Erin Smith, Luke Smith, Ellie Smith, Delaynee Robidoux, Rylynn Robidoux, Halle Dotson, Weston Dotson, and Trenton Fitzsimmons.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Ruby Faye, Norma Sue, and Ernestine; his father-in-law, Carl Huddleston; brother-in-law, J.C. Huddleston; one great grandson, Miles Dotson, and one nephew, Michael Crawford.
Gerald enjoyed doing all kinds of things with his family. He and Caleb made great memories deer hunting. Gerald loved kids. He also loved his transport clients with Ready Transportation, seizing the opportunities to visit and witness to them. Deer camp was like a much anticipated holiday! Lots of stories told and memories made around the campfires with nephews, friends, and strays. Gerald was the fried potato expert at deer camp! Gerald loved planting things. His flowers were always beautiful as were his gardens. Most of all Gerald loved God and his church family. Gerald was a character who had a tremendous sense of humor which served him well to the end. There’ll never be a way to fill the void his absence on earth leaves and he truly will be missed by all who knew him.
Services for Gerald Staley will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, with Brother Charles Allen and Brother Andy Trantham officiating.
Visitation time will be Friday, June 1, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Shilo Baptist Church building fund or the Rover Fire Department and can be left at Carter Funeral Home.