Leo LeRoy Staton, age 91 of Sac City, IA, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA.
Leo (Red) was born on March 13, 1929, to parents George W. and Florence (Manska) Staton. He attended school in Sac City, where his was in the graduating class of 1947. After graduation, he went to work for the Paul McCorckle Construction Co. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Army and trained as a paratrooper in the 81st Airborne Division. After being honorably discharged in 1953, Leo moved to Michigan and worked for General Motors where he advanced to skilled trades as a pipefitter in plant maintenance.
On February 6, 1954, Leo married Shirley Swieter of Lake View, IA, and they made their home in Lansing, MI. Their love for traveling blossomed as they explored and camped in the upper and lower parts of Michigan. To this union, a daughter, Valerie Kay, was born. His little family was the center of his world.
After 33 years with General Motors, Leo retired and moved back to Sac City with his family to be closer to his extended family. Leo and Shirley would spend their winters in Texas to which they were blessed to create friendships with many across the Midwest. With their love for travel, they were fortunate enough to be able to see almost every State of the Union and several Provinces in Canada.
Leo loved to golf, travel, camp and play cards, but his true passion was the enjoyment of helping others. He loved the Lord and did much volunteer work for the church by cleaning and repairing/replacing things where needed when he was able. Leo spent many hours at the fairgrounds mowing as a service to the community, a task that he found great pride in. All who knew and loved him will certainly miss him.
His love for his family was his greatest blessing. His life was forever changed when he was named grandpa. Leo loved to visit his grandchildren whenever possible. He enjoying attending any event in which they were involved in. Completing his heart was when his great granddaughter Brynlee Rae was born.
Leo is survived by his daughter, Valerie (Mark) Hartman of Merrill, IA; grandchildren: Makenzie (Robbie) Thomsen of Thurson, NE, Joshua Drost of Sioux Falls, SD, and Addison Hartman of Merrill, IA; great-granddaughter Brynlee Thomsen; sisters JoAnn Vauble of Sac City, IA, and Marilyn Mentzer of Early, IA; many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 3 sisters.
