Audrey Staton Sr.

Audrey Staton, Sr., age 89, of Morehead, passed away peacefully Monday, March 16, 2026, at UK–St. Claire HealthCare in Morehead following a long and brave battle with dementia.

Audrey was born March 16, 1937, in Menifee County, Kentucky, to the late Albert Lafayette Staton and Ida Lotta Sorell Staton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mildred Jean Walton Staton; one son, Danny Ray Staton, who passed away June 22, 1986; eight siblings, Silas Staton, Faye Wooten, Murray Wooten, Marlin Staton, Harold Staton, Pauline Summers, and infant brothers, Adrian Staton and Albert Staton, Jr.; and a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Collins Staton.

Audrey is survived by his wife of eight years, Helen Sexton Lewis Staton; two daughters, Tammy Ferguson and husband Gene, and Teresa Fultz and husband Tim; and two sons, Edward Staton and wife Arnetta, and Audrey Staton, Jr., all of Morehead.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, April Ratliff (Charlie), Tessa Thomas, Brent Staton (Janessa), Andrew Reynolds (Tabatha), Justin Reynolds (Heather), LeTerra Perkins (Nathan), Ryan Howard (Courtney), Davin Bell, and Danielle Staton; fifteen great-grandchildren, Brooke Gevedon (Ryan), Ethan and Kyndall Ratliff, Bennett and Tucker Thomas, Grace and Abigail Staton, Mason, Isabelle, and Layla Reynolds, Xyla and Mai Reynolds, Riley Perkins, and Brice and Charli Howard; one great-great-grandchild, Reese Gevedon; a special niece and nephew, Regina Hopwood and David Wooten; as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Audrey was a lifelong farmer, raising tobacco and cattle for many years. In his early years, he and his wife, Mildred, owned and operated a small grocery store in Bertis, Kentucky, along the Licking River in Menifee County, which was later taken when Cave Run Lake was developed. When his father passed, Audrey helped care for his mother, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews while raising his own growing family. At that time, he was in his early twenties. To help his family make ends meet, he worked many jobs including driving a school bus, while continuing to farm. When Cave Run Lake was created, Audrey and his family relocated to Morehead. After moving, he worked as DJ for WMOR, served as a Rowan County Deputy Sheriff, and became a police officer for the City of Morehead, reaching the rank of Sargent and becoming one of the first Presidents of the Fraternal Order of Police. After more than 20 years of service as a police officer, he began working for Abner Construction. He helped build houses, apartments, and schools doing carpentry, electrical, and, plumbing.

After leaving Abner's Construction, following his quadruple bypass heart surgery, he continued to "tinker." He refinished old furniture, making it look new, building cabinets, working on televisions and all types of appliances. If Audrey couldn't fix it, it was ready for the scrap yard. Together with his wife, Mildred, they opened "Jean's Bargain Barn" a consignment shop in Salt Lick for 20 years. Upon closing the shop, he became a full-time caregiver to his wife until her passing in 2017.

He truly was as a "jack of all trades."

When his health permitted, Audrey attended Charity Freewill Baptist Church. He loved history, watching the news, and enjoyed a good political discussion with anyone, especially his brother-in-law, Archie Walton.

Audrey enjoyed gardening, listening to Bluegrass and Christian music, and, in his younger years, squirrel hunting. For years, he and Mildred would sing at various churches and would volunteer at local nursing homes playing music and singing for the residents. He also loved writing songs, including "A Brand-New Heart" as a tribute to his lifesaving heart surgery and his commitment to Christ. Most of all, he cherished his children and grandchildren. His memory will be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Robert Kidd and Pastor Larry Hamm officiating. Burial will follow in Ginter Cemetery in Menifee County.

Pallbearers: Brent Staton, Ed Staton, Andrew Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, Gene Ferguson, and Billy Walton.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, Kentucky 40351.

View video tribute or sign the guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com