Will J Staats Sr.

Will J. Staats, Sr. (“Bill”; “W.J.”) was born in Stratford, Oklahoma on June 1, 1919, to Lula “Myrtle” Russell Staats. His father, Joe Pete Staats, Sr. succumbed a few months earlier, due to the worldwide 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. At home, baby Will joined big brother Joe Pete, Jr. In 1922, Myrtle married Eugene Smith, and eventually gave birth to four more children, Louise, Emogene, “Buck,” and Charles (who died as a baby).

W.J. attended Ada High School in Oklahoma, until he volunteered for the Army at the age of 17. He was based at Fort Francis E. Warren in Wyoming when the government realized he was too young to serve. When he returned home, he met his sister-Louise’s best friend, Anna Thomason. The romance grew and they were married on September 16, 1940, in Glendale, Arizona.

The young couple moved to California where Bill made a living digging septic systems (with a shovel!). In the next few years, they moved to Arizona, and then back to various locations in California. He worked for Lockheed Aircraft until he was drafted into the Army in April of 1944. He had to leave Ann, and his two young children, daughter JoAnn and son Stanley.

This time, basic training was done at Camp Hood, Texas. In February of 1945, he left the United States and headed to the Philippines for his WWII service. He was a part of the 151st Infantry Regiment on Luzon. The battles in which he was involved were extremely dangerous and the conditions were miserable. In one ambush, he nearly lost his life; the enemy’s bullets shot off his boot heel and pierced his canteen! For his WWII service, he was decorated with the WWII combat Infantry Badge, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon/campaign star, and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon.

By 1947, he was back in California with his family, which soon grew to include three more sons, James, Steven, and Will J. Jr. He resumed digging septic systems and “Staats Construction Company” was born when he obtained his California State Contractor’s License in 1951. He moved his family to a ranch in the Sand Canyon area of what is now known as “Santa Clarita,” California. They ran an egg business there for a while, but basically the ranch was all about having open space. The family enjoyed the country life, and the ranch on Lost Canyon Road was home for about 20 years.

Summers were spent at Bass Lake, California or Bullhead City, Arizona. To make sure he could commute between work in California, and family fun in Arizona, Bill obtained his pilot’s license and purchased a small airplane. He was a cautious, smart pilot who welcomed many passengers throughout the years.

As their children left to pursue college, careers, and marriage, he and Ann downsized, living in Canyon Country, Palmdale, Agua Dulce, California, and finally (upon his retirement), Mohave Valley (Bullhead City), Arizona. A vacation home in Show Low, Arizona was also a popular destination.

No matter where they lived, they always had time for their 16 grandchildren, who called them “Nana” and “Papa.” Fun-loving and good-natured Papa delighted the children with his stories and loved teaching them to fish, waterski, ride motorcycles, and play golf. He excelled in many outdoor activities and sports. He loved the children!

An avid golfer, Bill typically shot under 80, with handicaps between 7-12. He was still playing extremely well, into his late 80s. He participated in many tournaments and very often came out on top. His fairness and even-tempered attitude, along with his abilities, made him a popular person on the links. Even when he no longer played, he enjoyed riding in his golf cart!

A milestone day was June 1, 2019, when Bill celebrated his 100th birthday! On that special day, he enjoyed visiting with family and friends in his own home. He proudly blew out the candles on his 100th birthday cake!

Six months later, on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in Bullhead City, Arizona, he passed peacefully through Heaven’s gates, leaving a legacy of love, respect, and kindness.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Ann in 2014. He leaves behind children JoAnn (Ed), Jim (Wendy), Steve (Genene), Bill Jr. (Jackie), daughter-in-law Janice, grandchildren: Michael, Danny, Julie, Stanley Jr., Susan, Jill, Melody, Becky, David, Ryan, Alex, Amy, Emily, and Malissa. He also leaves 22 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. His son Stan Sr., grandchildren Angela and Geoff, and great-grandson Matthew preceded him in death.

Will J. Staats, Sr. was a wonderful man who led a good, long life. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by family and friends.