Delmont Stayton

Delmont Stayton of Jackson went to heaven to celebrate his 95th birthday Monday, April 6, 2009.

He was born April 6, 1914, in East Alton, Ill., to John and Nellie Miller Stayton. After his father's death, he was raised by his mother and embraced by his new father, John Nathaniel Eudy. He married Frances Pauline Ferguson April 15, 1941. She died Nov. 20, 1983. Pauline was the daughter of the Rev. L.L. and Laura Ferguson of Tulsa, Okla.

Stayton was a member of Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau 25 years. Before moving to Missouri he was a member of Bethel Pentecostal Church in East Alton, where he was a deacon and served on the board of advisers 29 years.

Stayton graduated from Central Bible Institute (later known as Central Bible College) of the Assemblies of God in 1949. He used his faith to gently inspire others to hope, love and forgive. He accomplished this passion through his actions as well as his professed word to an infinite number throughout his lifetime. He often said "tell others about Jesus and sometimes use words."

He had myriad interests, but mostly he was an avid reader. He would read at least 10 to 12 hours every day. He once had 29 subscriptions delivered to his home monthly. However, his most treasured book was the King James Version of the Holy Bible. He loved to travel with his family and witness new sights.

Stayton was a benevolent advocate of "Feed the Children" around the world. He monetarily adopted countless children for scores of years through his caring, generous giving. He also supported the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, North Shore Animal League and the Humane Society. However, his greatest passion was sponsoring foreign missions, telling others about Jesus.

Stayton worked for the U.S. Department of Defense in Weldon Springs, Mo. He also was employed by the U.S. Army Depot in Granite City, Ill., until his retirement in 1966.

He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was proud to serve the country that he so loved. His discharge papers read of his character "excellent." That came as no surprise to his family and friends.

Survivors include three daughters, Frances Dellene Wolfe of Lowell, Mich., Barbara Ann Eaves of White Cloud, Mich., and Jani Williams of Jackson. He was honored with four grandchildren, Teresa of Little Rock, Ark., Katrina of Coopersville, Mich., Ursulla of Cape Girardeau and Nathaniel of Dana Point, Calif. He was also privileged to have nine great-grandchildren of Cape Girardeau and Little Rock.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with Gary Brothers of Cape First Church officiating. Burial will be in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield. Full military honors will be provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Stayton was a kind, gentle man who loved God, family and friends. He stated last month to tell them "be ready (salvation through Jesus Christ) and I will see you over there (heaven)." He has received his lifelong goal and dream.

Happy birthday, Daddy, Grandpa and Great-grandpa.