Mr. Alan Staton

Alan Staton, 62, of Elmore, Alabama entered into eternal rest on March 2, 2016 at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. A native of Ironton, Ohio, he was born December 27, 1953 to the late Hansel and Patsy BowmanStaton. Alan grew up in Ironton, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Shari. They were blessed with three children and seven grandchildren. Alan’s greatest enjoyment came from his family, and he adored his grandchildren.Alan proudly served his country for six years in the Ohio National Guard, and retired after twenty years in the U.S. Air Force, where he attained the rank of Master Sergeant in the Security Forces. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. He and his family traveled the world throughout his career, making life-long friends along the way.After his military retirement, Alan began a career with the State of Alabama Department of Youth Services, where his co-workers became family. He established the Special Investigations Unit and served in it for eleven years until he retired as the Chief of Special Investigations on March 1, 2016. Alan was a man of strong faith. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Wetumpka, Alabama, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was blessed with a desire to help those in need, whether it was paying for a stranger’s gas or serving food to the homeless. Left to mourn his passing is his wife of 45 years, Sharon Conaway Staton. Their sweet, unendinglove for each other will remain as an extraordinary example and source of comfort for their children: Scott (Mary) Staton, Alex (Gina) Staton, and Amanda (Derek) Johnston, and their grandchildren: Sarah, Brianne, Hope, Slade, and Sophie Staton, and Colson and Logan Johnston. Alan is also survived by his brothers, Mark (Eva) Staton and Randy Staton, and his sister, Brenda(Jeff) Hannan, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.Alan was a leader among men and a loyal and exceptional friend. Alan leaves behind a lasting legacy of integrity and honor. His wisdom, guidance, love, and support will be missed by all whoknew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on March 8, 2016 at 11 a.m., followed by burial with full military honors at Brookside Cemetery in Millbrook. The family will receive visitors on March 7, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brookside Funeral Home. For those who are moved by Alan’s generous spirit, donations may be made in his honor to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church/Building Fund, P.O. Box 479, Elmore, Alabama 36025 or toa charity he enjoyed helping, Reality in Truth Ministries, P.O. Box 6322, Montgomery, Alabama 36106.