Fred Adam Staton

Fred Adam Staton, 93, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Monday, June 27, 2022 at the Hospice of Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

He was born to the late Vivian (Bill) H. Staton and Maggie Burgin on February 28, 1929 in Spruce Pine.  He is also preceded in death by his wife of over 52 years, Ruth Pool Staton; and his brothers, Billy Joe Staton and J. C. Staton.

Following his birth, his family moved to Marion.  Fred attended school in Pleasant Gardens and graduated from high school there.  He was drafted in the Army and served honorably in the Korean War and later in the reserves.  Following the war he worked for Asheville Contracting Company as a machine operator and for many years as a crew supervisor building miles of Interstate 26 (Green River Bridge), Highway 25 leading to Greenville, SC, Highway 19/23 and numerous projects along I-40 like the Beaucatcher cut on I-240.   Later he worked for Taylor and Murphy construction as a supervisor for 21 years on various large road projects including the Exit 126 at Hickory NC and the Rest Area at Claremont both on I-40.

Fred loved his wife and those were his favorite 52 years; at 74 years of age, he retired to be her caregiver for four years and stayed by her side until she passed in 2007.   Fred was a kind and caring father encouraging his children to pursue their own lives.  He loved the outdoors, gardening, working and trout fishing.  He enjoyed sitting outside, relaxing on the beach watching the crashing waves, and walking in the woods with his dogs, Bear and Jazz.  He loved watching basketball especially the ACC and the NBA.  He was a faithful member of Stroud’s Chapel, formerly West Marion United Methodist Church.

He is survived by two children, Blake Staton (Tracy) and Dawn Lakin (Ken); six grandchildren, Amber Lakin, Audrey Lakin, Karlee Lakin, Tess Lakin, Hannah Staton, and Caleb Staton; and one sister, Barbara McKinney.

A funeral service will be held at Stroud’s Chapel on Friday, July 01, 2022 at 4:00 pm.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends following the interment in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Global Recordings Network USA by visiting their website  www.globalrecordingsusa.org/project/Thailand-grnt-projects/ and designating funds for the Akha and Akeu project or to the West Marion United Methodist Cemetery Fund by a check.