John Charles Staten

John Charles Staten, 82, of Coppell, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2026.

John was born on July 6, 1943, in Emporia, Kansas, to Hervey Edward Staten and Lorraine Mae Staten. Known throughout Greenwood County as the “Hamilton Kid,” he often joked that he was usually seen with a black eye, playing ball, chasing girls, and raising a little hell.

He attended Hamilton High School and was a proud member of the Class of 1960. John remained deeply connected to his classmates throughout his life. Over the years, he mourned the loss of many of them and carried a deep love and appreciation for the friendships they shared.

John continued his education over several years, attending college on and off from 1960 to 1976. He graduated from Emporia State College in 1969 and later completed his MBA in 1976. During his time in college, he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from December 4, 1963, to December 1, 1967, achieving the rank of Sergeant. While he often joked that he didn’t particularly enjoy taking orders, he deeply loved his country and cherished the lifelong friendships he formed during his time in the service.

He began his professional career in Kansas, working as Personnel Director for Didde-Glaser, one of the state’s top graphic arts manufacturers based in Emporia. He later continued his career in marketing and leadership roles with Hensley Steel, Elk, Burris, and Genstar. Over the course of his career, John became a respected leader in marketing within the roofing manufacturing industry.

On October 3, 1976, John moved to Texas, where he continued to grow both his career and his life. In 1983, he met the love of his life, Laurie. The two were married on May 5, 1990, and the following year welcomed their daughter, Lauren, in 1991.

At the age of 48, John made the easy decision to retire early so he could stay home and raise his daughter. It was a reflection of what mattered most to him — family.

Above all else, John’s greatest passion in life was his family. He worked hard to keep loved ones close and connected, and he cherished every moment spent with them. His great nieces and nephews adored their “Unca Johnny,” a title he wore proudly.

One of John’s greatest joys was being a grandfather. His grandson Lyle, who lovingly called him “Papa,” deeply adored him. To his daughter Lauren, he was simply known as “The Greatest.”

John never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Laurie; his daughter, Lauren, and her husband James Cooper; his cherished grandson Lyle; and a long line of family members and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine Mae Staten and Hervey Edward Staten; his stepmother, Mabel Carver; his sister Betty and her husband Tony Mohesky; his sister Karen and her husband Floyd Steiner; his sister Donna and her husband Kenneth Barbee; his brother Gerald Staten and his wife Jan; and his nephew Dennis Craig Mohesky, his nephew Michael Dean Mohesky and his wife Randy, and his niece Toni Lynn Mohesky-Conklin.

Honoring his wishes, John will be laid to rest at Janesville Township Cemetery in Hamilton, Kansas, where he will join his parents, siblings, and many other loved ones.

A visitation will be held at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home in Emporia, Kansas, on March 16 at 5:00 PM. Funeral services will be held the following day, March 17 at 1:00 PM, at Hamilton Methodist Church, followed by a graveside burial at Janesville Township Cemetery. Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

A reception will follow the burial.

John’s humor, loyalty, and love for family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.