May 5, 1920 - Oct. 2, 2002

Harley Lauren Stayton, 82, of Bethany Drive, Mishawaka, Ind., entered into eternal glory in his residence at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002.

Lauren was born on May 5, 1920, in Yarnell, Wis., to Harley Leroy and Tessa (Cooper) Stay-ton, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Noah.

Since age two, he had resided in Mishawaka. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1938. He married Athelene Louise "Katie" Neddo on June 14, 1942. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The children born to them are Kay (Bruce) Dixon of North Liberty, Ind., Dennis (Mary) Stayton of Osceola, Ind., Rev. D. Mark (Jenny) Stayton of Kingsport, Tenn., and David (Diane) Stayton of Fort Wayne, Ind. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Tim, Todd, Troy (Brenda) Dixon, Benjamin, Jeremy Stayton, Brian (Erin), Tania (Nathan) Hand, Deanna Stayton, Laren (Lori), Jonathan and Katelyn Stayton; and by four great-grandchildren, Marlanna, Marc, Brady and Chloe Dixon. He is also survived by a sister, Wilma Arata of Mishawaka, and a sister-in-law, Winifred Stayton Rea of South Bend, Ind.

After serving in the U.S. Army as a tech sergeant in the motor pool during World War II, Lauren settled into a lifelong career in independent businesses. Those that were most prominent were with Stayton's Food Market of South Bend, Fir and 20 Standard Station and Shafer Tire in Osceola. Prior to his illness he was working at Owens Security. As a devout Christian and member of the First Baptist Church in Mishawaka, he enjoyed the musical talents of his children and grandchildren. He loved to sing along with his sons in a quartet they affectionately called the Four Ds (Dad, Dennis, Darwin and David).

Friends will be received in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North, 3910 North Main Street, Mishawaka, from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday. The memorial celebration service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral chapel. Full military honors will follow at the graveside service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Lauren was a life member of VFW Post 360, Mishawaka. Rev. David Miller of the First Baptist Church will be officiating the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to Hospice of St. Joseph County.