Lawrence Staton's Obituary
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).
What’s your fondest memory of Lawrence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lawrence?
Share a story where Lawrence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lawrence you’ll never forget.
How did Lawrence make you smile?
