Howard Elliott Staats

Howard graduated from Wood River High School. He then joined the U.S. Navy, becoming a Chief Pharmacist Mate. He served with the 1st Marine Division and was attached to the Surgeon General’s Staff, serving in the Pacific Theater.

After receiving his discharge from the service, he went to New York. Howard possessed a beautiful tenor voice, so he decided to try show business. He was accepted by the Shubert Organization theater company, singing in three popular shows before deciding show business was not the career he wanted. He returned home to continue his college education at Shurtleff College in Illinois, going on into Pharmacy. He graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

In the meantime, he married Virginia Boyd of Jacksonville, FL and had two sons, Howard II and his wife Gay of Longwood, FL, and Philip of Jacksonville, FL. He was also graced with the joy of two grandsons, Travis of St. Augustine, and Derrick of Longwood, FL.

Howard soon became involved with many organizations: the “Big Orange”, a fantastic chorus of nearly 100 men, the Kiwanis Club, the Shriners, Ye Mystic Revellers, and the Florida Yacht Club. He served as President of the Duval County Pharmacy Association for five years and was a member of the Florida Pharmacy Association. He was also a member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and soloist for nearly sixty years.

Howard led a wonderful and fulfilling life and leaves behind his wife of sixty-eight years, Virginia, his sons Howard II and daughter-in-law, Gay of Longwood, FL, and Philip of Jacksonville, FL. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandsons, Travis of St. Augustine, FL and Derrick of Longwood, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11am at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Interment will be held in a private service with full military honors at Jacksonville National Cemetery, Jacksonville FL. Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens, 729 Edgewood Ave. South, Jacksonville FL 32205. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Howard’s memory to the U.S. Department of Veterans. http://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/