Delbert L. Stapley

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Delbert Leon Stapley (1896–1978) (commonly known as Delbert L. Stapley) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1950 to 1978.

1 Early life
2 Calling
3 Passing
4 External links

[edit] Early life

Elder Stapley was born in Mesa, Arizona. As a youth, he rejected a chance at playing Major League Baseball so he could serve a mission. He remained active throughout his life, with his favorite sport being golf. He loved sports. Ensign stories say he rejected a chance to play Major League Baseball because he didn't want to play on Sunday. That being a sacred day for Latter day saints to not work or play.

[edit] Calling

He was a stake president for only three years before receiving a call to the apostleship on September 30, 1950. Stapley was sustained on October 5, 1950 at the October General Conference to fill the vacancy caused by the passing of President George F. Richards. Interestingly, Elder Stapley was notified of his new calling by President George Albert Smith in the elevator bank of the Hotel Utah.

[edit] Passing

Elder Stapley delivered his last conference address in October of 1977. The following April conference he was too ill to attend.

Elder Stapley died on August 19, 1978 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He suffered cardiac arrest at about noon while walking near his home. At the time of his death, he was the third ranking apostle in the church.

His vacancy in the quorum was filled by James E. Faust.