Alton Staats

Heaven must have needed another hero, since Alton Arno Staats gained his wings on January 11, 2019. Alton was 86 years old the day he was called home.
Alton was born on June 1,1932 in the small town of Schumansville, Texas, the middle child and only son of his parents, Milton Staats and Lydia (Bodenmann) Staats. Alton learned the value of working hard at a very young age. He held down 3 jobs while attending school. A true all-around handyman, he worked in a variety of fields. Alton met the love of his life, Mary Ann Engelke, on July 28,1947. The two met at Mary Ann's cousin's house while preparing to go to a dance at the open-air pavilion in New Braunfels. Alton and Mary Ann were married on June 3rd, 1951.
Alton enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 7th, 1953 ahead of the draft. He was an Air Traffic Controller and was stationed all around the world including Texas, Mississippi, Greenland, and Japan, as well as a tour in Vietnam. A proud American Soldier, Alton rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and retired after 21 years of service. He began his career with H.B Zachary the very next day following his retirement. There, he worked running payroll and operating the mainframe computers. Alton retired from H.B. Zachary after working for them for 20 years.
Alton and Mary Ann had three children and were blessed with 67 years of adventures, sharing a life of love and laughter together. Alton had a wide range of interests and talent including leather working, bowling, and fishing. He was also an avid animal watcher. He enjoyed being outside, whether it was piddling around in his shop or just watching the squirrels and birds play. Alton admired John Wayne, and the few times he would actually sit still, he loved to watch the old westerns on tv. He was a stern German man, proud yet humble, with a heart of gold and a sense of humor to match. He will be missed greatly.
Alton was preceded in death by granddaughter Danielle, in addition to many other family members and friends. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann Staats, daughter Linda Kelly, son Russell Staats, son Randy Staats and wife Ruby Staats, sister Gladys Bartling, brother in law Harry Engelke, sisters in law Nelda Huth and Josie Wilkinson, grandchildren William, Dawn, Michael, Victoria, Ron, Courtney (Nikki), Andrew, Timothy, Samuel, Michael, Amy, and Jesse,13 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
The viewing will be held at Goetz Funeral in Seguin from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, Jan 16th. With the service to be held at Cross Church in Seguin on Thursday Jan 17th at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann has asked that donations be made to American Kidney Fund, American Cancer Society in care of Jeanette Siltmann 196 Townesend Rd, Seguin, Texas, Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, or any other charitable organizations. The family would also like to thank the staff at DaVita in Seguin, Hope Hospice of New Braunfels, and Nesbit Living and Recovery Center in Seguin.

Visitation

Goetz Funeral Home
713 N. Austin St.
Seguin, TX  78155
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.

Service

Services

Cross Church
814 N. Bauer Street
New Braunfels, TX  78130
Thursday, January 17, 2019
10:00 A.M.

Cemetery

Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park
2951 S, TX-46
New Braunfels, TX  78130