Darlene Adair Staats, 68, of Lawson, MO, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
Darlene was born on January 2, 1955, in Reno, Nevada, to Charles and Virginia Wood.
She is survived by her husband, James Staats; her two sons, Matthew (Claudia) and Jeremy (Teresa) Staats; and six grandchildren, Lakynn, Hudson, Livia, Ava, Benjamin, and Josephine.
Darlene attended school at Westlake High School in Westlake, Ohio. She served most of her life as a dedicated civil servant, first serving 3 years for the U.S. Army, with a deployment to Camp Casey in South Korea. Later she served for the Ohio Air National Guard until moving to the Missouri National Guard, operating as a logistics specialist and retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in 2015.
Darlene was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. She was active in the Cub Scouts of America with her sons, and later in life the Lawson Chamber of Commerce. She was an avid gardener and following retirement worked alongside her husband, James, in support of their business together.
A visitation will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bross & Spidle Chapels, 214 N. Pennsylvania, Lawson, Missouri. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023, also at Bross & Spidle Chapels.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in memoriam to the charity of your choice.
Our Sincere Condolences
Jim and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss of Darlene. I thought about you all frequently over the years as well as the rest of the family. Prayers for strength and comfort for you all.
Ellen
Sorry to hear of Darlene passing. Worked with her for several years at the Air National Guard. Thoughts and prayers with you all.
Bob Waldroff
My deepest sympathies for your loss! She was like a sister to me at the 139th. We went through many challenges together and had a great friendship. She was clever, motherly, professional and most of all kind to all. We will miss her and that great big heart and smile. She gone too soon. RIP sweet Darlene.
Lora Lea Acklin
Jim and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Darlene for many wonderful years at the 139th and considered her a dear friend. Our offices were next to one another and we shared many great times; office lunches, Christmas white elephant exchanges, wartime exercises and great conversation. She always kept up on my family and how my wife, kids and grandkids were doing and was quick to bring me up to date on all of you. Prayers for you all.
Bill Thomas, Chief Master Sergeant Retired
To the family of Darlene, my prayers and condolences during this difficult time. I am sad to hear about the death of Darlene. I remember Darlene as an inspirational, giving, and encouraging member of the ANG. During my time with the ANG it seems that every exercise, deployment, Air Show, or any major event that occurred was successful because of her planning, perseverance, and commitment. I always found Darlene to be fair, impartial, and honest. She was the epitome of the core values of the USAF: Integrity, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. Thank you for sharing Darlene with all of us at the 139AW. I wish I could be there in person but commitments at my church prevent me from doing so. Thank you Darlene for being a light and a guide for us.
Now retired Chaplain ( Fr) Tom Ludwig, former Wing Chaplain.
