Gerald William Staas

Gerald William Staas, 99, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Funeral services will be 11am Tuesday, May 20th at Central United Methodist Church, 5740 Bagby Ave, with Reverend Dave Brower officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Waco Memorial Park. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the funeral services beginning at 10am, at the church.

Gerald was born October 26, 1925 to Herman Martin and Lena Henrietta (Schaeper) Staas in Waco, Texas. He married Ann L. McWilliams on December 20, 1946 in Rosenthal, Texas. Gerald served in the US Navy during World War II and was involved in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which is still known as the largest naval battle in history. In 1954, he and his brother Arthur founded the original Staas Plumbing. Gerald was known by all as a master plumber and served on Plumbing Associations including local, state and national levels.

He was active in his community throughout the years, serving on the Robinson School Board for 13 years, traveling the world with the People to People Organization. Gerald was very active in church, serving in many capacities. He was most recently a member of Central United Methodist Church. Gerald was busy serving others and didn’t have too many notable hobbies, but he did love to travel and enjoyed working his cows for a few years. He impacted so many lives in the nearly 100 years of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and five siblings.

Gerald leaves a wonderful legacy with his two sons, Larry Staas and wife Donna, Ken Staas and wife Debbie; grandchildren, Crystal Staas Waid and husband Tim, Jimmy Dale Staas, Kurtis Wayne Staas, Aaron Matthew Staas and wife Kathleen; great grandchildren, Samantha Parker and husband Everette, William Mathis, Leah Staas, Wyatt Staas, Tylar Waid and wife Sara; great-great grandchildren, Sloane Parker, Sydney Waid, and Lottie Lynn Parker who is still on the way. Gerald is also survived by his brother Harvey Staas; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Gerald’s Memory.