MILTON "SONNY" STATON

Milton Charles "Sonny" Staton, 86, passed away peacefully on Oct 3, 2025 with his family by his side. Sonny was born to Milton Patrick and Irene Cosci Staton. He lived in Lodi his enIre life. He attended St. Anne's School, Lodi High, Stockton College and University of Santa Clara. Sonny excelled in athletics. He played football and swam in high school. He went on to play water polo in college. Sonny conInues to hold the record of most goals scored in a single season for Stockton College/UOP pool when the campuses were shared at that Ime. He scored 181 goals during a 17-game season in 1959. Sonny was the biggest cheerleader and coach when it came
to his children, Shelly (Fred) Donald and Teric (Jill) Staton. There were many hours that he'd practice alongside us in whatever sport we had chosen. He was a great coach. He never missed a game. When his children went off to college, Sonny decided he needed a new challenge. He took up tennis. He threw himself into it as he always did. He won many Woodbridge Golf & Country Club championship in both singles and doubles. He also played golf weekly at Woodbridge until last year. He enjoyed his time out there very much. Years later he had grandchildren. He continued to be the best Pop, supporting the kids in all that they did. He never missed one of their games. He was their #1 supporter along with Cynthia.
Sonny worked in the canning business after finishing school. He initially worked for Woods Canning company with his father. In 1969 the cannery was sold to DelMonte. He retired from Tri Valley growers in the early 90's. His retirement was spent with his grandchildren, golf, traveling abroad and various projects. He had lots of projects. He loved to build and repair things. Sonny threw himself into the restoration of his daughters 1916 home. No contractor would ever come back after looking at this huge project. Cynthia would joke asking him when he was going to "his job." He single handedly brought the vintage home back to its original splendor with some help
from his family "apprentices." He was the master of craftmanship. His greatest fete was building a cabin in Bear Valley (60's.) He built the entire cabin on his own with the help of his friends and a big crane. Sonny lived life to the fullest. In his younger days one would say that he lived his life on the edge, perhaps too often, but he survived through it all. As he moved into being a father and grandfather, he became the best role model his family could have ever asked for. He will be so missed.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren; Sarah Dixon, Jacob Donald and Olivia Staton, great grandson, Dominic Dixon, and a sister, Irene Noonan. He is predeceased by his parents and his wife, Cynthia Surber Staton. A Private family graveside services will be held at a later date.