Arthur Staton

Arthur Staton Jr., age 93, of Otsego Twp., MI passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at his family farm with his loving children present. Art had three brothers and four sisters, he being the youngest and only surviving of the eight children. Art was born on an Iowa farm to Arthur and Myrtle Alice Staton, where he was raised during The Great Depression and developed a work ethic that would drive him his entire life. During World War II, Art refused an agricultural exemption and joined the Army Air Forces to serve his country. He was a radio operator (nicknamed "Static") in a B17 and a prisoner of war in Germany. After the war, he made use of the GI Bill to become the first in his family to attend college, receiving both his BA in Economics from the University of Iowa and his law degree from the University of Michigan in four and half years! He devoted himself to his law practice for over 60 years, representing the City of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University, Alamo Township, The Upjohn Company, and many others. Arthur enjoyed a vibrant intellectual life, marked by his great admiration for President Abraham Lincoln, hunger for knowledge, and interest in science, history, politics and law. His family and friends will miss learning from him and losing debates to him. Throughout his ninety-three years, Art never stopped challenging himself mentally, physically or spiritually. The many chapters of his life will be remembered through the stories he so energetically told. Arthur is preceded in passing by his wife, Elisabeth "Betty" Staton. Betty and Art met in the University of Michigan law library, raised five children, and loved watching their ten grandchildren grow up visiting the farm. Art is survived by his children: Chip and wife Karen, Mike and wife Amy, Andy and wife Ann, Beth and husband John Turkaly, Bill and wife Grace; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 9, 2016 at 4:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Allegan with a memorial service to follow at 5:00 PM, Pastor Robert Lynch officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arthur's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , the American Red Cross or the Wings of Hope Hospice. Gordon Funeral Residence.