David N. Staples - Obituary

t is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our Dad, Granddad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, David Norman Staples, Jr, who died peacefully on January 28th, 2026. He was 97. Dave was the cornerstone of our home and family. He helped raise four children, Shawn H. Staples (Patti Flores), Dawn M. Kraham (Robert Kraham), Glenn B. Staples and Wayne D. Staples (Tammy). He instilled values such as independence and resilience. Dave was married 62 years to his soulmate, Maxine Lowry Staples who preceded him in death last year. He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Ridgeway Staples, father, David Norman Staples Sr., his brother, Robert Wallace Staples, and son in law, Robert Martin Kraham. He was an endearing grandfather whose legacy of strength and knowledge lives on in his 14 grandchildren: Meghan Staples, Holly Staples, Seth Kraham (Selena), Cassie Kraham, Matthew Kraham (Kirsten) and Shannon Kraham, Tiffany Eder, Olivia Staples, Brian Staples and Juliet Staples, Amber Staples, Savannah Staples, Amanda Staples and Tyler Staples. He also had 5 great grandchildren: Wyatt Lopez-Kraham, Hazel Bolden, Scarlett Kraham, Spencer Kraham and Skylar Kraham. David Norman Staples, Jr. was born in Danville, Virginia on August 14th, 1928. Dave attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond Virginia. He enlisted in the Marine Corp. from September 1945 to September 1946. He re-enlisted during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He was a corporal in the Marine Corp. He went to college at night where he met Maxine. He graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. David Norman Staples, Jr., married Maxine Muriel Lowry on March 16th, 1963. He worked as a civilian for the government as an Industrial Hygienist for 20 years. As an Industrial Hygienist he was one of the first to know the harmful effects of asbestos, he tested noise pollution in and around airplanes especially noise pollution during the approach. He was also a Mason. After he retired, he worked with FEMA in disaster relief as well as volunteering for the Coastguard Auxiliary. He always kept busy. His hands were not idle as he worked on projects around the house. He had a thirst for knowledge that made him passionate about topics including health topics, politics, and financial welfare. He was a nature enthusiast and an avid bird watcher. He participated in the Oyster Bay Restoration Project for Chesapeake Bay. His thirst for knowledge was found in books, magazines, articles, continuing education classes for seniors and searching the internet. He was a proud, fierce and feisty man who would have lived to 110 if God had not called him home. He will be missed. Our hearts mourn the loss but celebrate his long life and accomplishments. David's funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 25th at 11 AM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD. Burial to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road Crownsville, MD 21032.