Charles Richard Stapleton, professor emeritus of urban and regional planning, has died. He was 87.

Stapleton taught in the College of Environmental Design from 1973 to 1989. He also chaired the department from 1976 to 1977. He died of cancer Sept. 7 in Santa Barbara. 

Prior to teaching, Stapleton consulted for county and city governments through the multidisciplinary consulting firm, Lampman & Associates, of which he was vice president. He was a member of the American Institute of Consulting Planners and the American Institute of Planners, serving as president of the California chapter.

Stapleton received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geography from UCLA.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Mary Ellen Esparza; sons David, Mark, Steven and Gregg Martin; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and Peter Martin.