In honor of David H. Staples of DeLand, who died May 24 at the age of 91, the West Volusia Branch of the NAACP offers this resolution:

For as much as it pleased Almighty God to welcome home His servant, Brother David H. Staples, and

Whereas, Brother David H. Staples was a stalwart, humble, faithful man of God, the Lord gifted him with godly wisdom, vision, and intelligence. He broke barriers in his community serving as the first African American on the DeLand Planning Board and the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 7th Judicial Circuit. As a graduate of Euclid-Bronson High School, Bethune-Cookman College, and Florida A&M University, he employed God’s gifts in his extensive stewardship as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and district specialist.

Whereas, our branch stands in deep gratitude and admiration for his legacy as the president of the West Volusia Branch of the NAACP for 20 years. It is upon his shoulders that the Branch lives and fights against discriminatory practice, promotes social justice, and advocates for economic equality for all people, and black and brown people in particular. The West Volusia Branch of the NAACP in its entirety stands in solidarity with his family in this great loss. We say “Thank You” to this servant who truly lived out the Scripture to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27, New Revised Standard version).

Whereas, the Lord blessed Brother David H. Staples with earthly longevity and servant leadership, he has closed this chapter of his life and entered through the doors of eternity. We pray that his precious memories will linger in your hearts and minds and the legacy of his works will be forever cherished. The Lord God reminds us in His word, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints (Psalms 116:15, New King James version) and “….Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them” (Revelation 14:13, New Revised Standard version).

Be it therefore resolved, we bow in humble submission to the will of our Heavenly Father. We celebrate Brother Staples’ life and his victory as the greater gain, having by faith received the crown of righteousness.

— Humbly submitted, Sean King, president, West Volusia Branch NAACP.