Devon Michael Staples

Calais – Devon Michael Staples, 22, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 4, 2015. Devon was born in Skowhegan on February 2, 1993, son of Russell and Kathleen (Smith) Staples. He graduated from Calais High School, Class of 2011 where he played football for the Silverado’s. Devon attended Washington County Community College and the following summer became a certified whitewater rafting guide in Caratunk. Later that fall he moved to Florida and started working at Walt Disney World. Devon was a gifted actor and enjoyed playing different characters in the parks such as Gaston, Goofy, Baloo, Captain Hook, Sully, Woody, the Green Army Men, and taking part in the many parades. His love for animals led him to start training as a dog trainer using Cesar Millan techniques. In November of 2014 Devon returned to Calais so he could be close to family and was in hopes of furthering his education in animal behavior and veterinarian sciences. While back home he enjoyed helping people in his community with all of their animal issues. Devon was a member of Friends of the Calais Free Library and volunteered many hours at the library. He enjoyed playing video games, acting, was an exceptional drawer, and being around children and any animal. He took great pride in being a father and an uncle and will be remembered for his upbeat personality, his kind nature, and making people smile.

Devon was predeceased by his maternal grandfather Francis Smith, and an older brother, Russell Staples II. Surviving are his parents, Russell and Kathleen Staples of Calais; his daughter Haileigh Brianna of California; fiancé Kara Hawley of Calais; three brothers, Cody, Levi, and Seth Staples, all of Calais; paternal grandmother Rowena Staples and maternal grandmother Clara Smith, both of Skowhegan; his special niece Helen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of Devon’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Washington County Community College in Calais. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.