William Howard Stapleton, 85 of Hillsboro, passed away April 3, 2021. Howard was born March 23, 1936 in Hillsboro to Harry and Ellie Mae Stapleton. Howard was a devoted husband and father. In his early life he was an avid fisherman and later in life enjoyed hunting. He said he loved the peace and quiet of the deer lease and sitting around the campfire.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his daughter Melissa; parents Harry and Ellie Mae Stapleton; brother Edward Stapleton; sister-n-law Altha Rae Stapleton; nephew Ben Stapleton; in-laws Maurice and Bobbie Mercer.

Howard is survived by his brother James Stapleton and wife Carolyn; niece Charlotte Stapleton; nephews Michael Stapleton and wife Julie; John Stapleton and fiancée Caleigh; niece and nephews Alyssa Stapleton, Brennan Stapleton, Zane Stapleton, and Mason Stapleton; also, Kylie, Chloe, and Camden Wood. Family members Arlie and Kay Ellis. And very special friends Henry and Barbara Faulknor.

Graveside service will be 2:30, Sunday, April 11, 2021, at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro.