Michael Edward Staples
Jul 22, 1949
Dec 7, 2025
July 22, 1949 - December 6, 2025
Michael Edward Staples, 76, of Goshen transitioned on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2:30 - 4:00. Memorial Service will begin at 4:00 at W.T. Shumake and Daughters 3815 Newburg Road Louisville, Kentucky 40218
If you ever spotted a man grinning beside a shiny Mopar, you likely met Michael Edward Staples-better known as Mike, or to those who loved him most, Mr. Mike.
He was born in Detroit, Michigan blessing his parents William Edward and Frances Staples as their only son. At an early age Michael became a confirmed Episcopalian and attended St. Mary's Episcopal Church. After attending Central High School (Detroit), he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam before cruising into Louisville in 1979, where he worked as a mechanical engineer for TARC until retiring in 2004. Cars were his lifelong passion-from tinkering as a teen to drag racing at 17-and his prized 1970 Cuda AAR was the true love of his garage.
When he wasn't working, you could bet he was bowling, building something with his hands, or inventing a clever way to fix something that the rest of us probably would've replaced.
In 2019, Mike found his soulmate, Toni, gaining a beautiful family who adored him as "Mr. Mike." Together they enjoyed car shows, trophies, and a tight-knit community that quickly became family.
Known for his bright smile and friendly spirit, Mike never met a stranger. He loved people-and they loved him right back.
Mike's earthly ride may have crossed the finish line, but his engine will keep revving in the hearts of all who knew him.
Keep the engines running, Mr. Mike.
He will be remembered by Toni, the love of his life; his daughters, Lindsey Stewart (Alejandro) and Lydia Murphy (Reinaldo}; and his sister, Kathy,
Paris (Clarence Dawson). He is also survived by his nephew, Brandon Paris, his grandchildren Johanna, Isaiah, Joshua, Sebastian, and Zachariah, his great-nephews Gabriel, Noah, Lincoln and a host of dear relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.