Judge Ted G. Staples

Ted Gene Staples, 89,  a lifelong resident of Tuleta, Texas passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026.  Known for his heart of gold and genuine care for others, Ted leaves behind a legacy defined by service and friendship to all he came into contact with.

Born on October 8, 1936, in Tuleta,Texas to Ross and Olabelle Staples. Ted grew up the youngest of nine children, his brothers, Walter, James, Robert,  Tommy and sisters, Gladys, Annabelle, Cordelia and Velma.  He graduated from Pettus High School in 1955, beginning a life marked by  hard work and dedication.   His early career took him across multiple fields –six years as a game warden, followed by eleven years at Chase Field Naval Air Station in Beeville and twenty-one years in the oil and gas industry working for Coastal States Refinery and Houston Natural Gas Petrochemicals.

In 1990, Ted was elected Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Judge for Bee County—a position he served for 23 years with pride and integrity until his retirement in 2014.  His accomplishments on the bench were numerous, and his compassion for his community entered him widespread respect.  Ted’s natural ability to connect with people meant he made fast friends wherever he went, whether with locals or the many famous figures he met over the years.

Ted’s hobbies were simple but full of joy.  He loved listening to Jim Reeves and has quite the collection of his albums.  Visiting with friends and swapping stories over coffee in town, working on his vehicles and keeping his yard in top shape when able.  Above all, he cherished the times spent with family and so many of his lifelong friends that he kept in contact with throughout his life.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Bosworth Staples.

Ted is survived by his daughters,  Mary (Terry) Otwell, Shari (Mike) Yarbrough, Suzy (Darron) Bergstrom;  grandchildren  Kristan Otwell (Tim) , Ryan (Lacey) Yarbrough, Terri Lynn (Ryan) Whitley, Darren Otwell,   Jerrod (Mengdi) Yarbrough, Jackie Otwell, Taylor (Brad) Radjenovich & Grace Bergstrom;   Great-Grandchildren- Annistyn & Grady Whitley, Wyatt & Sophie Yarbrough and Bennett Radjenovich who will forever remember his humor, honesty and willingness to help others .

Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm on Friday, January 16, at Oak Park Memorial Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, January 17, at Oak Park Memorial Chapel with Rev. Scott Townsend officiating. Interment will follow at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be - Dan Smith, Aurelio Leal, Mike Wappler, Darron Bergrstom, Mike Yarbrough, Ryan Yarbrough, Jerrod Yarbrough, Darren Otwell, Tim Cleghorn and Ryan Whitley.

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS

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