Robert Earl Staton Sr.

June 24th, 1932 – October 12th, 2024

Bob, as he was known to friends and family alike, was a long time Red Bluff resident. He first moved here in 1963 after being transferred here by the USAF Air Defense Command. He served with the 859th Radar Squadron and was the last man out of the gate when the base itself was closed. Bob honorably served his country for 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1970.

Bob Staton was born June 24th, 1932, in Summerville Missouri. Soon after, the family moved to Birchtree Missouri where he was raised. He was the youngest son born to John and Amanda Staton. He graduated from Birchtree High school where he was active in school programs. He was a member of the FFA. He was a class officer, and a reporter for the school paper.

Upon graduation in June 1950, Bob enlisted in the military choosing the United States Air Force as his career. Excelling in a relatively new technology called Radar. He attended Ground Radar School in Biloxi Mississippi, graduating in 1950. In 1952, he was sent to South Korea to serve at a radar site there. Bob returned in 1953 at the end of the war and went to Alexander Louisiana for 1 year at a mobile radar site. He was discharged in 1954 and returned home to Birchtree Missouri. Later, in 1954 Bob re-enlisted in Fordland Missouri at a radar squadron where he served 2 years before being transferred. He was sent to Walnut Ridge Arkansas in 1956 to help open a new radar site. In 1958, Bob was sent to Okinawa and served 6 months in Northern Japan. After Japan, Bob went to Rockport Texas for a short time.

In 1959, Bob was sent to the 636th Radar Squadron in Condon Oregon, where he met the love of his life, Dale Umphrey. They were married on October 14, 1962, in Reno Nevada. In June 1962, Bob graduated from the Air Defence Command NCO Academy.

In 1963, Bob was transferred to the 859th Radar Squadron in Red Bluff California. Bob volunteered for service in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding service during his time there. During his career, he had received numerous awards and citations for excellence.

After retiring from the military, he worked for Diamond Lumber, Sacred Heart School, and Lassen View school as a custodian and school bus driver. He cared for the students put in his charge, and made a positive impact on their young lives.

During his time as a school bus driver, the CHP awarded him a 200,000 accident free miles certificate.

Bob was a familiar face in Red Bluff. Particularly at the Lariat Bowl where he enjoyed his favorite past time. He was a member of several bowling leagues since his arrival in 1963. He was a member of the Red Bluff Bowling Assciation for 50 years and was in the Hall of Fame. Bowling was a sport he enjoyed into his 90’s.

Bob also served his community as a member of the SIRS organization, (seniors in retirement). He was a member for 20 years, for 10 of those, he served on the Board of Directors.

The many people who Bob Staton, knew him as a loyal friend. Someone who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Minnie Dale Staton. His sons, Robert Jr. of Patterson California and James of Hurricane Utah. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all who knew him and never forgotten.

Internment will be at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, California.