On Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, our father, Eric Patrick Staley (age 74), passed away at home surrounded by his family.

Eric was born April 27, 1950, and is preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Schexnayder, his stepfather, Ken Staley, and his older brother, Billy Wempren. He leaves behind his wife, Linda Eckman Staley, his two daughters, Elodie Staley, and Molly Young, his son-in-law, Curt Young, and his most beloved grandson, Owen Young; along  with his surviving siblings: Cindy, Debbie, Carrie, Hal, Chip, and Dale, and many nephews and nieces.

Dad served in the Navy for 6 years, before being honorably discharged and finishing his degree in Computer Science at UTEP. He then worked as a computer software engineer for companies such as GTE, AT&T and Calculex.

Through his time in the Navy, Eric met his wife, Linda, and the pair were married in 1979. Two daughters soon followed. Dad was devoted to his family – a caring, wonderful father to his daughters, and dedicated "Pepe" to his grandson; and a loyal brother and friend. There are no words to explain the loss we all feel now that he has moved on.

Those who knew him know Dad was a man of many skills, who also felt a strong duty to help others. In his later years, he participated in many archery competitions, as well as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He was a conservationist at heart: always recycling or cleaning up where he could. He always tried to buy American and help his local community. He was also a man who found joy in simple things, like the falling rain or the view of the desert beyond his backyard. He saved baby rabbits, tried to protect wild lizards and smaller birds, and generally just tried to care for any of God's creatures that crossed his path.

And he did it all with a very "Dad" sense of humor. Not everyone got "Dad" humor – sometimes the jokes were so dry and unexpected, it flew past his intended audience. Like when he sent flowers to his future wife (prior to meeting her) and signed it "The Hell's Angels". But a lot of people will remember Dad and his good humor which was so much an essential part of who he was and how he lived his life.

In the end, Dad wanted to share these words which he had read many years ago and which now adorn his tombstone in Winchester, Virginia:

Once I wasn't,

Then I was,

Now I ain't again.

Per Dad's wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. An informal celebration of life open house will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Habitat for Humanity or the conservation charity of your choice, or just go out and do something nice for someone or spend some time in nature as that is how Dad always lived his life. We love you, Dad! You will be greatly missed.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com