Jon Tom Staton

Judge Jon Tom Staton, 84, died Tuesday, April 25, 2017. Born and raised on a cotton farm near Hollis, OK, he was the youngest son of the late William Francis Staton and Sarah Elizabeth Mann Staton. In 1954 he was married to the former Dorothy Carolyn Brown of Bartlesville, OK. After graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University, he served honorably in the United States Army, then as a science teacher and coach in the public schools for four years. He earned his master's and doctorate degrees in school administration from the University of Oklahoma and served for ten years as school superintendent, the last six years in Muskogee, OK. In 1979, he earned a law degree from Oklahoma City University and practiced law for fifteen years in both the state and federal courts, including a year and a half as Associate District Judge in Kiowa County. He then served as Associate District Judge in Jefferson County for twenty years, where he retired in 2011. Tom's entire life was dedicated to doing the right thing. This philosophy helped guide his career of public service. An Army veteran, he served during the Korean Conflict. He dedicated much of his life to public education. The desegregation of the Muskogee public school system was one of his greatest accomplishments. His law practice focused on constitutional law and his judicial career was characterized by unprejudiced, fair, and timely decisions. He leaves his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn; his son Kelsey and his wife Wendy of Bowie, MD; his son, Kevin and his wife Monica of Paris, TX; and his daughter Sarah and her husband James of Edmond. He also leaves ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held April 27, 2017, at Quail Springs Baptist Church.