Mr. Thomas Jefferson Staton was born January 4, 1950. He was the youngest child born to the union of Bill Staton and Cordean Porchia (Turner). He completed his education with Stephens Public School District in May 1968 and later matriculated at the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College (Arkansas AM&N). After a short matriculation he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and worked as a bar tender for many years. After growing tired of the city life he longed to return back home to Stephens for a new start. He decided to obtain his CDL as a cross-country truck driver for several major trucking companies until his health started to fail.

He is preceded in death by both parents Bill(Geraldine) and Cordean(Earl); as well as two brothers Louis Staton (Grace) and James Staton(Deloris).

He is survived by a daughter Shaqueena of Oakland, CA, and a sister Betty Baker (Wilbur) of Milwaukee, WI. In addition to 5 nephews, 5 nieces, 16 great-nephews, 14 great-nieces, and distant relatives in Camden, AR; Little Rock, AR, both Riverside and Los Angeles, CA.

Thomas transitioned into his next life in the early morning of Thursday July 30 ^th . He acquired the nick name, "Bird Dog" and was well known in the community for spreading laughter and his great insight on politics and the future of rap music. He was taught to play the piano and an early age, but could also carry a pretty good tune to, "Holy Ghost Don't Leave Me" and "I'll Fly Away".

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him dearly, and is now resting among the ancestors.