George Luke Stapleton

George Luke Stapleton, age 89, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully on January 8, at Jefferson City Health and Rehab. George, who is known as Luke by most, was one of fifteen children born December 2, 1930 to parents - Robert and Birdie Stapleton. He was a combat veteran of the Korean War serving in the Army in 1952. He finished the remainder of his service as a MP in Japan. He was married to Dorothy P. Jett for 50 years until her death in December 2001. Luke worked in sales for Rico Chemicals until he retired in 1999 in order to be the primary caregiver for his wife, Dot, who had terminal cancer. Born and raised as a farmer, he continued to enjoy farming as a hobby as long as his health allowed. He served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and occasional choir director at Mountain View Baptist Church. Luke was a man of faith who loved his Lord, his family, and his home. Luke is survived by his son, Dr. Luke Michael Stapleton, married to Hilda Stapleton and his daughter, Angela Tullidge-Burgess. His son “Mike” retired from the Army as a Colonel after serving 30 years and Hilda also retired from federal service with the Army. Angie has served with Appalachian Outreach and Samaritan House Ministries for twenty years. Luke also had two grandchildren, Angela Marie Tullidge and Stephen Timberlake Tullildge. Marie went to work for Ohio State University as a Real Estate Coordinator after earning her MBA. Stephen graduated from CNU and is currently working at Ingles. Luke is also survived by one brother, J.A. Stapleton, married to Jean; one sister, Dorothy Walker; and one brother- in- law, Mayford Jett, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Luke never met a stranger, always helped a neighbor, and never forgot a friend. A celebration of Luke’s well lived life will take place at Farrar’s Funeral Home in Jefferson City, Saturday, January 11. Receiving Friends will be at 1:00, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00. The graveside internment will be at Mountain View Baptist Church following the funeral. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Appalachian Outreach in memory of Luke. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 865-475-3892