Lawrence Staton

Lawrence "Larry" Staton was born to the union of the Late Callie Bogan Staton and Leron Staton on July 24, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri. Lawrence was the second of thirteen children. Four brothers and three sisters preceded him in death. At age twelve, Lawrence accepted Christ and was baptized at St. Malachy Catholic Church. Lawrence was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools where he attended Lincoln Elementary School and Vashon High School. Lawrence pursued a twenty year career as a Communication Specialist in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed traveling the world, visiting various countries such as: Bermuda, Korea, Japan and Thailand. Five years during this time of service was dedicated to enhancing the lives of others as an Air Force Recruiter in the St. Louis area. While on Recruitment duty, he met the love of his life, Rose Marie Smith, together they were blessed with one son, Tyrone. Due to his commitment, dedication and leadership, Lawrence received numerous awards and commendations. After his retirement, Lawrence continued his education, acquiring two Associate Degrees at St. Louis Community College. Lawrence was a hard working man. Lawrence worked in various roles in the community and government. He worked as a Salesman for Western Union. He proudly held the title of Supervisor of Switchboard Operations at the U.S. Army Communication Command Agency as a Communication Specialist. Lawrence received a promotion and was transferred to Farmers Home Administration as a Communication Specialist, where he retired from the Government. Lawrence worked as a Manager at the Centennial Plaza Apartments, he worked as a Substitute Teacher at various locations for the St. Louis Public School District. Passengers enjoyed his laughter and jokes as he was employed as a Shuttle Driver for the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. In the community, Lawrence was a well known keynote speaker, especially during Black History Month. His bass voice while reciting Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream Speech”, gave the people more than a dream; it gave them encouragement to continue striving for greatness. In 1977, Lawrence joined Centennial Christian Church of Greater St. Louis, Missouri under the leadership of Rev. Samuel W. Hylton and later Reverend Derrick Perkins, Sr. During his membership at Centennial, he served on the Elder Board and the Male Chorus under the late, Mrs. Mildred Hylton. He was also an Usher at Centennial Church, a member of the Usher Alliance and served in the devotional period at various visiting churches, singing and praying. One of Larry’s other passions in life was being a Mason. Worshipful Master, Past Master and Grand Lecturer Lawrence Staton. Lawrence Staton began his Masonic Journey when he petitioned Square Deal Lodge #159, without the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri and Jurisdiction, Inc., Free and Accepted Masons, St. Louis, Missouri. He was initiated as an entered apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft and Raised to the Degree of Master Mason in said lodge. He was also a Past Worthy Patron of Sukura Chapter #1 OES, Japan and was also affiliated with Cherry Blossom Lodge in Japan. Lawrence never met a stranger. In his spare time, he loved to play pool, bowl, dance and sing. He was an excellent bowler overseas and in the states and entered several tournaments. Lawrence sang on the Ted Mack Show “Mule Train” and came in 2nd place. He sang with the late Jackie Wilson and other guys on the corner during his time as a teenager. He loved to tell jokes!!! He loved family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He also filmed many, many weddings and all kinds of parties/events. He loved family and friends. There was always lots of laughter when Larry was around. On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, God called Lawrence home to rest. Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory: Wife ~ Rose Marie Staton; Son ~ Tyrone La'Roy Staton; God daughters ~ Linda Graham and Donna Shaw (DJ); three Sisters ~ Carol Burgett, Joyce Staton and Sandra Rancher; two Brothers ~ Leroy Staton (Odessa) and Leon Staton (Sharian); Sisters-in-law ~ Beulah Staton, Pauline Staton, Henrietta Frost and Nellie Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends; and his best childhood friend ~ Warren Williams (Millicent).

Tributes

Lawrence Staton

July 24, 1936 - February 14, 2024