Earl Palfreyman Staten, J.D., 86, passed away on August 19, 2001 in his home in Salt Lake City.
Born May 6, 1915 in Springville, Utah, to Stanley Staten and Nellie Palfyman Staten. Married Harriet Smith, daughter of William LeRoy Smith M.D., June 15, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Earl graduated from East High School in 1934. He graduated from the University of Utah with honors in 1938. He graduated from the University of Utah School of Law in 1940. Shortly after, he became a special agent with the FBI. As a result of his heroic top-secret actions, the United States was able to defeat the Japanese in the Battle of Guadalcanal. This resulted in great personal injury, taking many years of hospitalization to recover. As a member of the Boyden, Wilkinson, Tibbals, Staten, and Croft Law Firm, Native American Indian lands were returned to their rightful owners. He spent his legal career servicing the citizens and government of Salt Lake City. The end of his career was spent as a Director on the Board of Directors of American Stores Inc. and serving of counsel with the law firm of Callister, Nebeker, and McCullough. He served a two-year term as a director of the Salt Lake City Country Club, as well as, leadership positions in numerous other community institutions.
Survived by his wife, Harriet; son, Stephen E. (Julie) Staten, M.D.; daughter-in-law, Tone Staten; grandson, Shane Staten. Preceded in death by his parents and son, Ronald Smith Staten.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2001, noon, at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Friends may call one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.