Mike was an avid outdoorsman who valued God's creation and made it his career to leave this world a better place. He truly valued hunting, fishing, and conservation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Louisiana Tech University in 1975, and a Master's of Science in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University in 1977. His most notable job was with Anderson-Tully Company, a hardwood lumber company, where he was the Wildlife Manager for 31 years.
He was the Vice-Chairman of the Black Bear Conservation Committee; Board member of the Arkansas Forestry Association and Chaired the Wildlife Committee; a Certified Wildlife Biologist through the Wildlife Society; and Certified Forester through the Society of American Foresters. He was a Registered Forester in the states of Arkansas and Alabama. He received the Fannye A. Cook award from the Wildlife Society in 1995; the Arkansas Oak Award from The Nature Conservancy in 2004; the Al Brothers Deer Manager of the Year through the Quality Deer Management Association in 2016; and received the Delta Council Achievement Award for Delta Hardwood Forestry in 2018.
He was a faithful member of Lakeside United Methodist Church in Lake Village, where he served many roles. He was a loving husband, father, mentor, and friend to so many people. His presence will be missed, but his love, care, and sincere compassion for others will never be forgotten.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Connie Tyler Staten of Lake Village; one son, Charles Tyler Staten and wife Beth of Monticello; one sister, Pam Baker and husband Everett of Simpsonville, SC; one brother, Andy Staten and wife Tawana of Springhill, LA; a sister-in-law, Sherri Tyler of Bossier City, LA; a brother-in-law, Steve Tyler and wife Delle of Monroe, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Lakeside United Methodist Church in Lake Village with burial to follow in Holy Innocents Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday evening at Lakeside United Methodist Church. Memorials to: Lake Side United Methodist Church, PO Box 192, Lake Village, AR 71653. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(33)
Heath Harris
Stuttgart, AR Wednesday, February 27, 2019 ( President of McCollum Hunting Club and Big Island association President) I worked with Mike for many years and grew to really appreciate him as a person and value his leadership immensely!!! I know that the program that he implemented was a success and our members are repeating the benefits. Ironically we had a young hunter in our club who was diagnosed with the same disease that mike would later have to deal with. Mike made sure that we documented his journey and kept photos so that he could run a feature on him in the “Habitat “ magazine that he put out to all of us. The boys name was Price Hancock! Price and Mike both fought very hard and made a very positive impact on so many lives. Members of our camp and our association will miss Mike tremendously, A True Gentleman!!! Godspeed!Velma Smith Thomas
Conway, AR Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Connie and family! I want to express our heartfelt condolences from the Dalton Smith family of Springhill, La. We lived on 7th Street S.E. and my dad and Hewel were cousins. We will be praying for you in the days ahead.Dennis Merritt
Kenosha, WI Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Hello Family,I'm so sorry to hear that Mike is gone. My love goes out to you, Connie, Pam, and Andy, and all of yours, I don't really know. We pray for you comforting and healing of heart and mind in Christ.
Elaine & Joe Pope
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Connie and Tyler we were so very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead. He fought the good fight may he Rest In Peace.Carolyn Sessions
Baton Rouge, LA Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Pam and Family,My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I remember lots of good times at the Staten house in Springhill.
tracy thomas
shreveport, LA Tuesday, February 26, 2019 I will never forget this kind and intelligent and remarkably genuine person who has been a friend since elementary school.Mr, & Mrs. Ricky Payne
Springhill, LA Monday, February 25, 2019 Mike was a true friend ! We had many good times on tour camp at Springhill United Methodist Church. God bless the family. Mike will surely be missed.Dennis Whiddon
Hattiesburg, MS Monday, February 25, 2019 Being a member of ten point hunting club Mike and I crossed paths many times I considered him a man of great integrity and a true friendWe had lunch on occasions after working in the woods at 10 point hunting club Mike will be missed by all members of the various hunting clubs he worked with God's blessings to the family and all his many many friends
Darlene P. Davis
Keithville, LA Monday, February 25, 2019 Mike and I graduated together from Springhill High School. Words fail me, I know he will be missed. My prayers go out to his family.Colleen Formby
Hot Springs, AR Monday, February 25, 2019 I always had such respect for Mike, all the way back to our school days together. Much love and prayers to Connie and all the family.Susan Borne
Little Rock, AR Monday, February 25, 2019 Dear Mrs. Staten,We were so very sad to learn of Mike's passing. He was a real outdoorsman and conservationist. He certainly represented The Nature Conservancy's ideals of the Arkansas Oak Award. I remember when we presented the award to him at our Corporate Council for Conservation luncheon. We are sending our sympathy to you and the rest of his family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Susan Borne
Associate Director of Philanthropy
The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas
Barbara Bailey Martin
Sweeny, TX Monday, February 25, 2019 Connie and family I am so sorry to hear of your loss.... May God give you peace and understanding at this difficult time...Prayers for you and family....John Hanks
Monroe, LA Monday, February 25, 2019 I work for the La. wildlife & fisheries, Mike worked with me through our DMAP program from the beginning of my career. He had a great influence on me as a biologist and a person. When working with our younger guys I try to teach them things that Mike taught me. I always looked forward to seeing him and hearing his stories. He was a great conservationist, mentor, and friend. His memory will live on in all of us that he so generously shared his time with, thank you Mike for everything you shared with me and my deepest sympathy to the Staten family.Debbie Watson Sikes
Slidell, LA Monday, February 25, 2019 I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We were classmates (SHS Class of 1971). He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met and made a lasting impression from an early age. We were blessed to know him. Prayers for Connie, Tyler, and all of the family.Donny McMillen
Greenbrier, AR Monday, February 25, 2019 On behalf of the Ward Hunting Club (on Big Island) we offer our condolences to all Mike's family. We will miss the support and camaraderie that was he bestowed to our group. There was a void left at Mike's retirement. May God's comforting hand be on you all.Donny McMillen
Pete & Gwen Herman
Lake Village, AR Monday, February 25, 2019 Connie and Tyler, our hearts go out to y'all and your family. We have been and will continue praying for y'all. Mike was a fine man and I know he'll be missed terribly.Pete & Gwen
Larry Hedrick
Hot Springs, AR Monday, February 25, 2019 I've known Mike since 1977 when we both worked in Alabama and together became charter members of the Alabama Chapter of The Wildlife Society. And when we both found ourselves in Arkansas, we continued our personal and professional friendship. Mike was a man of immense integrity and knowledge and was respected by his friends and peers for his work in the wildlife and forestry fields. Rest in Peace, Old Friend. Perhaps I'll find you again some spring day in a stand of Delta hardwoods, binoculars in hand, searching the canopy for cerulean warblers.Heather Perry & family
Warren, AR Monday, February 25, 2019 Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.Laura Meeks
Vicksburg, MS Sunday, February 24, 2019 Sincerely thinking of your family.Randy Yeargin
Taylors, SC Sunday, February 24, 2019 Sorry for your loss may the Lord comfort you in your time of griefJan Burford Lee
Taylor, AR Sunday, February 24, 2019 Sending my thoughts and prayers for each of you during this sad time. Mike was certainly a special man.Love,
Jan Burford Lee
Don Bales
Purvis, MS Sunday, February 24, 2019 Mike is a man admired by everyone working the Conservation Arena. We will miss him very much. Praying for the entire family.Beth Wilson
Taylor, AR Sunday, February 24, 2019 Connie, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Beth Totty Wilson
Debby BlandMichael was so soft spoken and gentle giant
, TX Sunday, February 24, 2019 Michael was a soft spoken and gentle giant. He was respected and loved by many. He will be missed. His calm and quiet way of getting things done needs to be followed by all.I love your family.Melinda Colley
Bossier City, LA Sunday, February 24, 2019 I am so sorry to hear this!! Prayers for the family !!!Jerry and Ruth Voss
Texarkana, TX Sunday, February 24, 2019 I had the good fortune to know Mike from his youngest days growing up in Springhill. We were Cub Scouts together and went through High School and Louisiana Tech together. Ruth has very fond memories of Mike on their Methodist Youth trips. He was a great friend and a very good person. We send our deepest sympathy to the family.Kathy & Earl Ashley
Lake Village, AR Sunday, February 24, 2019 We are so very sorry for the loss of Mike.You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Esther Cochran
Plano, TX Sunday, February 24, 2019 My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Esther CochranGladys and James Youngblood
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 24, 2019 James and I want to extend our most heartfelt sympathy and love to the entire Family. Mike was such a nice Gentleman for us to be able to call our friend we are truely sorry. Our prayers are for peace and comfort to each. Rest in peace Mike. We will miss you.Jana Taylor Russell
Springhill, LA Sunday, February 24, 2019 Connie, Andy, and your families-so sorry to hear about Mike. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, JanaButch and Sallye Ford
Shreveport, LA Sunday, February 24, 2019 We are so sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a fine Christian man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!Jannie Nelson
Delhi, LA Sunday, February 24, 2019 Dear Connie,My heart hurts for you and your family. I know your pain all to well. May God walk with you through this journey.
Karen Lovell
Warren, AR Sunday, February 24, 2019 Tyler and family, love and prayers to all of you. I pray that God gives you the strength , comfort and an understanding peace only He can give.