Don Carlos Staggs

Don Carlos Staggs, age 84, passed away on May 8, 2014 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview, Texas. He was born during 1929 in Stephens, Arkansas. Don grew up in Overton, Texas. He graduated from New London High School and was present at the high school on the day of the school gas explosion in 1937. After high school he attended Baylor University until he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1950, and served admirably in the Korean War. He was assigned to be the Forward Observer for a mortar team during his tour of duty with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. After returning to the states, he married Vera Kaluponov in 1954. He worked at Eastman Kodak as a chemical operator until his retirement. Don was a member of the company’s orchestra and played the French horn for numerous years. After his retirement from Eastman Kodak, he started a painting business. Don was preceded in death by his first wife, Vera Kaluponov, his parents, Alma and Roy Staggs, and his sister, Pattie Florey. After his first wife’s death in 1992, he married Nancy Camic Mack. During retirement he enjoyed traveling to various Marine Corp reunions, attending the local VFWs, and traveling in his R.V. with Nancy. Don is survived by his wife Nancy Staggs of Gilmer, TX; his son Don (Karen) Staggs of Fairfax, VA; his daughter Lisa (Shelby) Sanford of Northport, AL; his step-daughter Connie (Sidney) Draper of Valley, AL; his step-daughter Penny (Rex) Martin of Longview, TX; his step-daughter Cindy Campbell of McDonough, GA; his step-daughter Tina (Jamie) Boyum of Longview, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandchild. In addition to his first wife, parents, and sister, he was preceded in death by his step-son Michael Mack and his step-daughter Terry Mack. In accordance with his wishes his body was cremated. A memorial service will be held in Rosewood Park Cemetery Mausoleum in Longview, TX at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31. 2014. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to your local Veterans of Foreign War.org, USMC Toys for Tots.org, or to one’s favorite charity. A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.

Don Carlos Staggs

June 30, 1929 - May 8, 2014