Edward Staton Obituary

Edward Ewing Staton, 94, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, at Life Care of Carrollton.
A graveside service will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Carroll Memory Gardens in Carrollton. A celebration of Edward's life will follow at La Bella Casa, 11 E. 7th Street, Carrollton, Missouri 64633. All are welcome to attend.
Born on September 4, 1931, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Dr. R. Hamilton and Alice Staton, Edward-known to many as Ed-lived a long and vibrant life filled with curiosity, kindness, and adventure.
Learning was a lifelong passion for Ed. After graduating from Carrollton High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years as a clerk typist. He went on to earn a degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, where he also served as punter for the Razorbacks. During his college years, he was an active voice for Civil Rights, standing for equality at the same time as the Little Rock Nine.
In 1961, Ed married Diana Bartlett. His career path reflected his wide-ranging interests and creativity-beginning as a middle school teacher and later principal in Wakenda, Missouri. In 1962, he founded KAOL Radio Station, and in 1978, he opened the Oscillator Disco in Carrollton, where many local residents shared evenings of music and dancing.
Ed's adventurous spirit carried him to Watertown, South Dakota, where he and Diana opened "The Café" nightclub in 1980. A few years later, in 1985, he embarked on a cross-country journey by bicycle, traveling more than 5,400 miles and finding joy in the generosity of strangers along the way.
Never one to stop learning, Ed continued exploring new interests well into his later years. At age 79, he attended Hunter College in New York City, taking psychology, astronomy and Spanish classes. While there, he volunteered at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and The Foundry, comforting sick infants. He also became the oldest participant to complete NASA's Astronaut Training classes-a testament to his boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for life.
Ed loved reading, genealogy, coffee, space, football, and music-especially Beyoncé and Rihanna. His humor, open-mindedness, and zest for life touched everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. R. Hamilton and Alice (Lewis) Staton; his brother, Samuel Staton; his sister, Alice Staton; his grandson, Michael Moylan; and his longtime companion, Costello Bigby.
Ed is lovingly remembered by his children: Barrett Staton of Carrollton, Missouri; Townes (Cathy) Staton of Norborne, Missouri; Fielding (Darla) Staton of Liberty, Missouri; Pleasants (Detlev) Wolff of Los Angeles, California; and Merrill (Shelley) Staton of Leawood, Kansas. He also leaves behind many cherished grandchildren-Lashawna Staton, Adam (Sara French) Wilkin, Paige (Ben Garza) Evans, Tori (Brett Combs) Evans, Sheridan (Dalton) Brown, Turner Staton, Hamilton Staton, Lyman Staton, and Iliana Wolff-and great-grandchildren Maddox Moylan, Kaydence Wilkin, Addi Wilkin, Hunter French, Maliah Garza, Zaiden Garza, Emalyn Garza, Adalee Garza, Brekynn Combs, Londynn Evans, Nixon Evans, Blair Brown, Margot Brown, and Bode Brown.
Ed will be deeply missed by his family and many friends whose lives were brightened by his laughter, stories, and generous heart. He was endlessly curious and deeply kind, he loved telling 'dad jokes' and had a gift for making people laugh.
In lieu of flowers memorials are asked to HELP service of Carroll County, The Carroll County Historical Museum or The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.