Earl Eugene Stapleton, Sr.

Earl Eugene Stapleton, 76, of Columbia passed away on May 23, 2025, at the University Hospital & Clinics.

Earl Jay was born October 26, 1948, in Columbia, Missouri, to the late Harry Sexton and Christeen Stapleton.

Earl Jay was known as Bruz or Big Earl. He loved to gamble and anyone who was around him while gambling knew his favorite quote was, “Bet they don’t hit”.

He was the life of the party and loved to have his cooler full and ride the town. While riding the town he’d make stops at people’s houses, or Douglass Park to talk his knowledge of life.

If you know Big Earl and had a relationship with him, you knew he would do anything for you and do anything for his family.

He loved giving advice whether you needed it or not. However, he wasn’t too readily to receive advice because he was as stubborn as they come and believed in what he believed in, and you couldn’t tell him any different.

Big Earl was the protector of his family. Especially his grandkids. His grandkids bought him joy and he was dedicated to them unconditionally. He loved his dog Ace, as he became an integral part of his life.

Earl Jay is survived by his wife, Frances (Dameron) Stapleton; three children, Earl Stapleton, Jr., Michelle Stapleton and Teresa Dameron; brother, Kenneth Stapleton; sister, Glenda Stapleton; seven grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.     

Earl Jay was also preceded in death by four siblings, John Stapleton, Jr., Otis Stapleton, Cheryl Stapleton Clay, and Linda Miller.

A Celebration of Earl’s Life will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel with Pastor Melvin Stapleton, II officiating.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.bachyager.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, Columbia, Missouri.

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