Charles William Staats, Sr.

Charles William Staats, Sr., died Tuesday, December 04, 2007 at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low following a sudden illness. He was 78. Charles was born on September 25, 1929 in Akron, Ohio to the late Herbert Charles and Louise (Pickle) Staats. At the age of 12, Charles moved with his family to Casa Grande, Arizona and was a graduate from Casa Grande High School in 1948. On July 21, 1950 he married his sweetheart, Donna L. Remm in Casa Grande. Shortly after his marriage, he joined the military and served in The U.S. Air Force for 4 years, receiving his honorable discharge in 1955. Charles received his Bachelors Degree in Education from Arizona State College (now A.S.U.) in Tempe. He was a dedicated teacher at Casa Grande High School for 34 years, and 2 years before retiring, in 1989, he served as the Vocational Education Director of the high school. Mr. Staats was a life-long member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #1957 in Casa Grande. Charles also loved flying and taught aviation at Kesler Air Force Base at Biloxi, Mississippi. In 1989 he and his wife moved to Pinetop, AZ where he was an active member of the Community Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed snow skiing, hunting and fishing. He traveled extensively with his wife throughout the country. Charles' greatest joys in life came from his family, of whom he is survived, including: his wife, Donna L. Staats of Pinetop, AZ; 2 sons: Bill Staats (Carolyn) of Gilbert, AZ, Michael Donald Staats (Gina Rascon) of Chandler, AZ; 1 daughter, Debbie Staats of Phoenix, AZ; 6 Grandchildren: Liana Staats, Shelby Staats, Paul Roman, Stephanie Saunders (Kent), Michael Colby Staats, Jacob Drewencki; 1 great-grandson, Taylor Joseph Saunders and a cousin, Bill Steward of Akron, Ohio. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 8, 2007 at the Community Presbyterian Church, 1940 S. Penrod Lane in Pinetop, AZ 85935. Memorial contributions to: The Community Presbyterian Church Building Fund, have been suggested by his family