Charles Robert Staton

Charles Robert "Bob" Staton, 83, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Bob was born in Fredonia, Kansas on March 27th, 1931 to Charles Taylor and Golda Hope Frankenbery Staton. The family moved to Phoenix in 1942 for an improved climate for Bob's asthma. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Kathy Staton (Crisp) in 2003, his daughter Tamara Jo Bayless, by five years to the day and his grandchild, Jake Dykstra in 2002. Bob is survived by his daughters Deborah Lynn Dykstra of Verdi Valley, AZ, Jennifer Anne Burcham-Staton of Austin, TX, sister, Carol (Paul) Linderoth of Phoenix, AZ, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, two nephews, one niece and Willa Band of Chandler, AZ, his deeply devoted, dearly loved friend of many years.

Bob worked in the machining industry successfully owning and operating his own business for 35 plus years until he retired in 2001. He had many hobbies and interests throughout the years including jalopy and motorcycle building and racing, desert bike racing, various arts and crafts, woodworking and metal works. Bob loved helping family and friends with projects that put his talents to use enhancing their homes and lives. Being an animal lover, Bob rescued many dogs and cats over the years providing them with a safe and loving home.

The above summary does not and cannot do justice to the man that Bob was. He could accomplish just about anything that he set his mind to. He could create, fix, build and do things that others only long to. He was a kind and considerate man and as his eldest daughter I have many memories of his love, care, consideration and sacrifice for his family. I remember when we lived in Riverside and Bob got a job at Disc Instruments about 30 miles away, he rode a motorcycle to work to save money and he often would arrive home soaking wet from the rain, teeth chattering and he had to jump right into a hot shower to warm up - all of this for his family. He taught me to drive in his beloved Ranchero and I never once remember him raising his voice or losing his patience with me. He went with Mom to court when I got my first speeding ticket on the way to a love-in. I came home with the ticket and said, "Mom, Dad, I think we need to spend more time together as a family." He was never harsh or unkind. He paid 300 dollars for my first pair of contacts which was a fortune in 1966. Best of all was a game we played when we lived in Orange, CA where when we heard him drive up we would all run and hide and he would search the house over until he found us all in our hiding places. What I will miss most is his voice when I would call him just to chat. He was there, steady as a rock, caring and concerned about anything I wanted to talk to him about. What a man, what a loss. I will miss him terribly. Bob will be gravely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial Donations are welcome to the Arizona Human Society.