Deacon Arnold Charles Staton “Jack” will be honored with the Posthumous Award Tuesday, March 28, at the Sabine Hall of Fame banquet at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hall in Zwolle. Doors will open at 6 p.m. This award is given to honor and remember someone with a lifetime of achievement who was a Sabine Parish leader and active in community service.
Deacon Arnold Charles Staton “Jack” was born August 9, 1948, in Zwolle, Louisiana to O.C. Staton and Mae Dell Davis. Jack was reared by Norman Staton and Eliza Dowell Staton. At an early age Jack accepted Christ and was a member of Haskin Chapel United Methodist Church where he served as trustee board chair/steward, and other capacities, one of which brought the first summer feeding program to the community. Later Jack joined St. John Baptist Church in Zwolle under the leadership of Dr. Harrison Fields, Sr. where he served as deacon among other things.
Jack married the love of his life Gloria Jean Benton in 1993. Jack and Gloria moved from Zwolle, La to Toledo Bend where they resided until their demise. Jack attended J.S. Clark High School in Zwolle and graduated from high school in Scottlandville, La. Jack studied at Louisiana State University/ McNeese University/ Northwestern State University and received numerous accreditations. Jack was a Master Mason; 32nd degree Mason; past Worship Master Golden Light Lodge #199 P.H.A, Zwolle, Louisiana; past patron Goodwill Chapter #128 order of Eastern Star and past Joshua of Cockrell-Williams Heroine of Jericho Court #42.
Jack was an entrepreneur: At age 12 he started his own lawn service, later years he started his own wood cutting company with his friend Hillie Price, Sr., janitorial service, bar-b-que stand and in 2006 G & J Laundromat and 2008 G & J mobile home park. During Jack’s employment career he worked at Staton’s Grocery, Boise, Hunt’s Lumber Company, “PEG” Stewart convenience store, Sabine Parish School Board and started his career with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office on December 30, 1983, and retired November 6, 2014. Arnold started his 31 years law enforcement career at the Sabine Parish jail under Sheriff Alfice Brumley. Jack then worked patrol and investigations where he achieved rank of lieutenant. Jack retired as the Chief Detective of the Criminal Division under Sheriff Ronnie Richardson. He passed away on May 14, 2021, at Willis Knighton Pierremont in Shreveport.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 each and may be purchased at Pete Abington’s office, Nichols in Many, Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, Robert Gentry’s Office at the radio station and by calling Martha Henderson at 645-9573. Each year the Hall of Fame donates to non-profit charitable groups. This year, donations will be made to H.E.L.P of Sabine, a Christian 501c corporation that provides outdoor opportunities to physically disabled children, adults and combat injured veterans and to SWAG Youth Group at St. Joseph Catholic Church.