Thomas Gribble Staples

September 8, 1942 - August 31, 2024

Thomas Gribble Staples, 82, of Parkton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Marjorie Gribble Staples and Crawley Walton Staples and the brother of the late Joe Donald Staples. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Samuels Staples, his son, James David Staples, and his beloved daughter-in-law, Ariella Catherine Horwitz.

Thomas was born on September 8, 1942, in Moberly, Missouri. He graduated from Westran High School in Huntsville, Missouri, in 1960 and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where he was a proud Mighty Mo marching band member. After graduation, Thomas was recruited into the Federal management intern program and worked for multiple divisions within the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. He then served in the United States Coast Guard, after which he continued his career in public service, working for the Social Security Administration for 38 years. Throughout his long federal career, he received numerous commendations and honors for his work, including Presidential recognitions and the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service. Thomas retired in 2004 as the Associate Commissioner for Financial Policy and Operations, having earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues for his leadership, integrity, and dedication.

Thomas was a modest, kind, generous, and compassionate man who touched the lives of countless people, both professionally and personally. He was a mentor, a friend, and a role model to many. He loved his family, his country, and his community. Thomas enjoyed watching current events, financial news, and professional sports and was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan. He also enjoyed walking on the beach with his wife and family, sitting peacefully in nature, and driving down country roads in his favorite Jeeps and Volvos while listening to Johnny Cash and Bob Marley.

Thomas will be interred in Corinth cemetery in Chariton County in Missouri. A private family ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Pet Rescue of Maryland, the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Nursing Fund, or the American Heart Association.