Benjamin Lawrence Staley

Benjamin “Lawrence” Staley passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 70. He was born on November 30, 1954, to Benjamin Franklin and Edna Leona (Downey) Staley and was one of ten children raised in a house full of love, and the unmistakable Staley spirit.

Lawrence always followed his own road. That path sometimes took him down hard turns, but it never changed who he was at his core. He was a stubborn, kind-hearted Staley man who loved his friends and family deeply. The consequences of his life choices seemed to give him a heart for those trying to find their way. He never hesitated to offer a helping hand or a kind word, especially to those often overlooked by society. It was very common for him, that even on his way to a doctor’s appointment, would ask you to stop and give something to a weary panhandler on the side of the road.

From the time he was little, he loved anything with a motor — whether it was a car, motorcycle, or four-wheeler, he was always fixing, riding, or tinkering with them. He was also a skilled carpenter, often building, repairing, or creating things with his hands. He had a special bond with his dogs as well, who brought him constant joy and companionship.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Edna, and his brothers, Carroll, Charles, and Frank Staley.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Staley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; son, Benjamin (Helm) Staley of Geneseo, Illinois; his stepson, Clayton Jones; and his three step-grandchildren — Bristol, Breanna, and Brylee Jones — of Chandler, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his brother, Jerold Staley of Wellston, Oklahoma; his sisters, Shirley (Staley) DeVore of Wellston, Oklahoma, Leona (Staley) Wood of Wellston, Oklahoma, Margaret (Staley) Whitworth of Mustang, Oklahoma, Betty (Staley) Huff and her husband Steve of Wellston, Oklahoma, and Patty (Staley) Ferrell and her husband Donnie of Wellston, Oklahoma; sisters-in-law, Sharon Staley of Luther, Oklahoma, and Teresa Staley of McLoud, Oklahoma; and his sister-in-law of many years, Kathleen Staley. He is also survived by his best friend since childhood, Paul (P.V.) Smith of Enid, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lawrence leaves behind countless memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His laugh, his love of life, and his ornery spirit will live on in every story we tell and every heart he touched.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 11, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., at AE Funeral Services Chapel, 603 W. Independence St., Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at Trinity Baptist Church, 200 Ash St., Wellston, Oklahoma 74881. Interment will follow at Wellston Cemetery.