Charles “Charlie” L. Stapleton, 81, of Sheridan, Indiana, passed away on September 9, 2026, in Sheridan, with his family at his side. He was born on April 27, 1945, in Pennington Gap, Virginia.

Charlie built a life centered on family, friendship, service, and community. He served his country in the United States Army and later worked for more than 30 years at Chrysler. He was a member and past commander of Sheridan American Legion Post 67, a role that reflected both his love of country and his commitment to those around him.

He was known as a generous, thoughtful, and loyal man who never met a stranger. Funny and truly one of a kind, Charlie brought warmth and energy wherever he went. He loved his family and his friends deeply, was a diehard Hoosier fan, a devoted Reds fan, and a passionate supporter of the things and people he believed in.

Charlie enjoyed golfing and was a regular at Hickory Bend Golf Course. He also spent many years as a softball coach for Charlie and the Animals from 1976 to 1990, leaving lasting memories for those who knew him through the game. He loved traveling with his wife, Margaret, especially to Elvis Week in Memphis, Tennessee, and he always looked forward to his yearly trips to Daytona Beach, Florida, to visit JC and Laurie Clark. He enjoyed going to Strawtown every week and browsing garage sales, where his eye for finding “Charlie Treasures” became part of his charm. He also organized and ran the annual Harvey Stapleton Memorial Scholarship Fund golf outing, combining his love of people, golf, and honoring family.

Among the accomplishments that meant the most to him were his family, serving as commander at Sheridan American Legion Post 67, and marrying his beloved wife, Margaret, on September 20, 1969. He also took great joy in seeing IU finally win the national championship in football, and he attended Sheridan Six Points Church.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Laura Marie Robbins and her husband, Brian; his son, Charles Michael “Chuck” Stapleton and his wife, Jamie; his grandchildren, Kayla Villasis and her husband, Juan, Justin Phillips and his wife, Amy, Charles Riley Stapleton, and Isabella Stapleton; his brother, Wayne Stapleton and his wife, Linda; and Nancy Stapleton, along with several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a family who will continue to cherish his humor, his loyalty, and the steady love he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Sue Stapleton, who died in 2021; his parents, Roy and Violet Stapleton; and his brothers, Bill Stapleton, Bobby Stapleton, Harvey Stapelton, and Danny Stapleton.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Six Points Church, 1545 West 226th Street, Sheridan, IN 46069. The funeral service will begin there at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Crown View Cemetery, 4056 West State Road 38, Sheridan, IN 46069. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Stapleton Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Farmer Bank and Trust located at 2400 State Road 38 Sheridan, Indiana 46069. 

Charlie will be remembered for his laughter, his devotion to family, his pride in his community, and the many friendships he made throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.