Ross Staton
April 17, 1937 ~ November 15, 2019
Dr. Ross Dee Staton was born April 17, 1937 in Liberty Hill, Texas and passed away November 15, 2019. He lived in Hughes Springs during high school, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lee Shrum. After serving in the army, he attended his beloved University of Texas, receiving a social work degree. “Hook Em”. He went on to attend LSU and FSU where he received his PhD. He taught at Baylor University until his retirement. He and Mary Lee moved back to Hughes Springs after retiring.He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee; his father, Dee Staton; and his mother, Evelyn Hailey.He is survived by a son, Monte Dale Staton and his husband Scott Trumpy of Chicago, Illl; a daughter, Dee Ann Kleypas and boyfriend Craig Redding of Waco, Texas; and two grandchildren, Mary Madeline Kleypas and Molly Alexandria Kleypas of Lubbock, Texas; brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Kris Staton; and uncle and aunt, Vernie and Alice Staton.
Many thanks to all the angels at Saint Catherines, as well as the amazing nurses and caregivers at Providence Hopsice. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made in honor of Dr. Staton to Providence Hospice at https://www.chot.org/.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2019 at Hughes Springs Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.
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Saddened by the news of the passing of a sweet neighbor. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell! A fascinating gentleman and scholar. If you were ever privileged to speak with him for more than a few minutes you were blessed. The Ingram Family
When I see Ross, I see him with a smile and a cigar, and my youngest daughter out in his garden… she was 4 and wide eyed, all ears while he talked with her and told her stories of the past. She still thinks of him fondly every time she smells a cigar. He was kind, and extremely smart. He could write as eloquent as the stories he told. He served our country. He loved his children. He was compassionate, and passionate about the one true love of his life, Mary Lee. I will miss him. I loved both Ross & Mary Lee very much. I’m saddened that they are no longer here with us, but I’m elated that they’re together again at last. ??
I had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Staton last school year once per week for a few hours as a social work intern. I looked forward to hearing his stories each Monday afternoon as he would share with me about the love of his life, his experiences as a social worker, and his love for UT. Dr. Staton loved to educate, long after his retirement. He would often share "life lessons" he wanted me to learn. I was always eager to listen. He was an excellent story-teller. Dr. Staton's love for flowers, especially roses, was evident through the smile that would come to his face when he talked of his roses at his old house in Hughes Springs. Dr. Staton will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to his family. I am grateful to have been able to know him for a short time. – Courtney
My favorite professor at Baylor University. Ran into him at a Golden Gloves boxing match. I saw him in a different light then. Great man. He taught me a lot.