Frank Staley

FRANK ALEXANDER STALEY

New London

Frank Alexander Staley,

81, of New London, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, at Henry County Health Center Emergency Department. To say that Frank was a character is an understatement.

He was born Dec. 5, 1939, in Troy, N.C., to Isaac Curtis and Myrtle Maxine Craven Staley. He married Joyce Ann Westerbeck on June 30, 1962, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. She died April 16, 2011. In 1962, he joined his father-in-law, Steve Westerbeck's Construction Company. In 1972, with his brothers-in-law, Mark and Mike, bought the business.

In 1986, Mike retired and Mark and Frank became partners. In 2012, Frank and Jason Nehring created Staley-Nehring Construction. He was a member of the Columbus City Masonic Lodge No. 107, where he served as chaplain for 10 years, a member of the Scottish Rite in Davenport, the KAABA Shriners, a 50-year member of the New London Odd Fellows, a member of the New London Fire Department and served many years on the New London City Council. Frank collected tons of aluminum can tops for the KAABA Shriners which helped fund transportation for the children to Shriners Hospital. He enjoyed beekeeping, wine making, hunting, golfing, competitive archery, his annual fishing trip to Holland, Mich., winter trips to Texas, and was a phenomenal gardener, freezing and canning produce, and giving away bushels of it.

Frank is survived by four grandchildren, Tyson (Will) Wintermeyer of New London, Cale Staley of Ithaca, N.Y., and Bailey and Abbey Murphy of Ottumwa; four great-grandchildren, Stevey and Kaiya Wintermeyer, Lydia Murphy and Levyn Patton; brother, Ted Staley of Troy, N.C.; his business partner, Jason (Kelli) Nehring, who was like a son to him; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joyce; son, Steve Staley; daughter, Sheli Murphy; sister, Robbie Edwards; and brother, Larry Staley.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and inurnment will be held at a later date in Burge Cemetery, New London. Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, a celebration of Frank's life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been established for the KAABA Shriners and the New London Rescue Unit. Elliott Chapel, New London, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.