Harold Staten, 77, of Baker City, died Feb. 16, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family.
Recitation of the rosary and vigil service will be at 5:30 tonight at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, 2235 First St. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at the cathedral. Father Julian Cassar of the Catholic Church will officiate. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery. Everyone is invited to gather in the parish hall for a luncheon after the graveside service.
Harold was born Sept. 29, 1929, at Twin Falls, Idaho, to Charlie and Elsie Worley Staten. He grew up and attended schools at Twin Falls and Buhl, Idaho. He and his family moved to Baker City in 1947.
He married Beverly York, his wife of 57 years, June 26, 1949. The couple raised to sons, Michael and Chuck.
His career in Baker City started as an outside salesman with what became McNeil Auto Parts. In 1952, he became partners with Paul and Jim York in Crown Cleaners and Laundry.
After 20 years, in 1972, he made a career change to the automotive business at Valley Motor Co., which later became Harold’s Used Cars. After 52 years of working in the same city block, he retired in 1999. During his retirement he enjoyed working outside on “the place.”
He was an active member and officer in the Baker Jaycees, the American Red Cross and Baker Elks Lodge, No. 338. In 1964 he received the “Young Man of the Year” Distinguished Service Award from the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
During his 50-year membership with the Elks, Harold was exalted ruler in 1967-68, served on various committees and was a member of the Board of Trustees.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; sons, Michael, and his wife, Julie, of Salem, and Chuck and his wife, Nancy, of Baker City; grandchildren, Annie and her husband, Marcus, of Madison, Wis., Jason of Bothell, Wash., Kari of Boise, and Matthew and Stephen of Corvallis; a brother, Larry, of Casper, Wyo.; brother-in-law, Jim York, and his wife, Varene, of Baker City; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Opal; brothers, Gene and Billy; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Paul and Mabel York.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic, Pathway Hospice or the Elks Scholarship Fund through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, February 23, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
