Mr. John Wendell Staten Sr. age 71 of Lake City, FL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 28th, 2015 after a long courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by his loving family.  Mr. Staten was born on November 18, 1944 in Statenville, Georgia to the late James Wilmer & Helen Staten and had resided in Lake City for most of his life.  He was the first United Parcel Service (UPS) driver for Lake City and retired nearly twenty-two years later, but he held a true passion for entrepreneurship as he founded and operated many businesses, such as Staten's Jewelry and Staten's Gold & Silver, to name a few.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved nothing more than spending time with his family.  Mr. Staten was a Veteran of the United States Army and an active and long-standing member of Southside Baptist Church.  He was always willing to help anyone in need.   No one was a stranger to him and everyone was always touched by his generosity and kindness.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lawanda Beard.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Judy D. Staten; his son and daughter in law, John and Robin Staten of Delray Beach, Florida, his daughter and son in law Wendy and Marc Jacobowitz of Boca Raton, Florida and son and daughter in law Bruce and Jennifer Staten of Lake City; seven grandchildren, Eric Jacobowitz, Madison Staten, Johnny Staten, Haley Jacobowitz, Megan Staten, Jimmy Staten and Joshua Jacobowitz; two brothers Larry Staten (Judy) and Roy Staten (Judy) both from Lake City and his sister Sandy Holloway (Don) of  Piedmont Alabama; survived by many nieces and nephews; and his two precious dogs Abby and Toby.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, December 31st, 2015 at 11:00AM at Southside Baptist Church, 388 SE Baya Dr, Lake City, Florida with Pastor Ralph Rodriguez officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday evening from 5:00-7:00PM. at GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, Florida, 32025, (386) 752-1954. The Family would like to thank Haven Hospice for their care and in lieu of flowers ask that donations be made to Haven Hospice at 6037 W. US Highway 90, Lake City, FL 32055.  Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com