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Herbert Eugene Staples - Class of 1971

Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 30/Jun/2026
38.40.68.185

        Herbert Eugene Staples, also known as "Herb" or "Show" was the seventh of 13 children born to the late Rev. Vernon Franklin Delano and Gladys Elizabeth Rohden Staples. Although he was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, he grew up in Newburgh, New York.

While attending high school, Herbert went to work for Carol's Hamburgers and became the first African American youth manager in the Hudson Valley area. He was also very passionate about racing cars and was a part of a small crew spending their youthful days at Dover Drag Strip in Wingdale, NY. Working hard afforded him the opportunity to pursue his passion and race his 1970s Buick Opal affectionately named "Showboat."� He was good and won several trophies. After graduating from Newburgh Free Academy, Herbert and many of his high school classmates (including Michael Gilchrist), as well as two of his nephews, John Staples and Allen Staples, all went into the Armed Services.

United States Army Life

Herbert’s military life afforded him great experiences. He was awarded numerous certificates of achievement as a member of the 31st Air Defense Military Brigade; he served in combat, including being a Purple Heart recipient. During his years of service, Herbert was promoted to sergeant. He completed three tours in Korea (which also included serving a tour with his younger brother Kenneth) and one tour in Japan. He was stationed in Germany, as well as numerous other countries throughout Europe. We salute you dear brother and thank you for your service.

Civilian Life

After retiring from the military, Herbert moved to Richmond Heights, FL in the mid-1980s. Always a working man, Herbert was employed with Dade County Transit and then retired after working briefly for BE Aerospace. He enjoyed music (especially live concerts), cooking, grilling, entertaining, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was close to his brother Calvin and had a very special bond with his baby sister Sharon. Herbert also enjoyed good times at the family reunions. He always appreciated his close friends and special military buddies who kept in touch along life’s journey (Lawrence Frazier, Junie Cobbs, Darryl Davis, Tallie Stroud, Tommy Boykin, John Barnett, Melvin Honeycutt, Eddie Bass, Robert Davis, Darius Monk, Harcort Portier and so many, many others). Herbert could be vocal and very opinionated and was a force to be reckoned with. However, he dearly loved people; helping anyone that he could, and he respected and treasured true friendships. All his life, Herbert enjoyed reading and searching God’s word. He looked forward to Bible study and fellowship with God’s people. He was a servant and desired to be used by God.

Forever memories will always be a time of reflection by his remaining siblings and family: Calvin Frederick Staples (Newburgh, NY), Curtis Donnell Staples (Miami, FL), Kenneth Irving Staples (Columbia, SC), Debra Ann Staples (Town of Newburgh, NY), Ralph Lynn Staples (Newburgh, NY), and Sharon Eileen Staples, (Miami, FL); Sheila Denice Williams (Town of Newburgh, NY); sister-in-law, Margaret Singleton Staples (Myron Dunbar), his godson, Cecil Stone (Miami, FL), and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, neighbors and former co-workers.

Herbert Eugene has reunited with his parents the late Rev. Vernon Franklin Delano and Gladys Elizabeth Rohden Staples; brothers: Victor (Arlivia), Lawrence, Spurgeon (Shirley) and Myron; sisters: Virgina Elizabeth Howard (Lewis Claude) and Ruth Staples; nephews: Steven Anthony Howard, Kendall Irving Staples, and Laron Lamar Staples; nieces: Tanya Monique Staples and Tameika Monet Staples; great-nephews: Da’Jon Calvin Staples and Cherod T. Gayle, Jr., and other family members.

A Very Loving Soul