PERKINSVILLE - Kerry A. Stapleton, 69, of Perkinsville, Vt., passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, January 15, 2012.

Kerry was born in Springfield, Vt., on July 16, 1942, son of the late Robert E. Stapleton and Lyla (Slade) Stapleton.

Kerry is survived by his three children, daughter Barbara Ingalls and her husband Jeffrey of Perkinsville, daughter Susan (Stapleton) Shumski and her husband Michael and two grandchildren, Tanner and Sawyer, of Springfield, and Kerry's son, Raymond Stapleton and wife Lisa (Roberts) and three grandchildren, Nickolas, Daniel and Adam, of Perkinsville; and his precious soul mate, Kay Ryan of Springfield; brother Robert L. Stapleton of Rutland; former wife Denise (Trombly) Tarbell of Springfield; and his beloved faithful dog companion, Mia.

Kerry graduated from Springfield High School in 1960 and from Vermont Agricultural Technical Center in Randolph in 1962.

Kerry worked for Bob Barlow's farm, R. N. Johnson, Bryant Grinder, Town of Weathersfield as road foreman, Jones and Lamson, Daniels Construction, General Electric, and he retired from Vermont Department of Transportation.

Kerry was a founding member, an assistant chief, and served for 16 years with the West Weathersfield Volunteer Fire Department. He was a past president, member and judge for the N.H. Antique Tractor Club.

A foster parent for 16 years with former wife Denise, they were honored with awards in 1990 for both the "Vermont" and "National" Foster Parents of the Year.

Kerry was a hard-working man of integrity who was very dedicated to his family. His wonderful, goofy sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all. Kerry loved raising cows, antique tractor collecting and pulling, horse pulling, reading, gardening, spending time with his children, and really treasured being a wonderful, proud grandfather to all his grandsons. Kay and her family blessed Kerry with much happiness and love.

A celebration of Kerry's life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Martin Memorial Hall, on Route 5 in Ascutney, Vt.

If desired, a donation may be made in Kerry's name to a charity of one's choice.

Published in Rutland Herald on January 19, 2012