JOHN TREECE STATON
John Treece Staton was born on June 25, 1938, in Stafford, Kansas. He passed away on Sept. 27, 2026, at the age of 88.
John grew up in St. John, Kansas, and attended Emporia State University, where he earned a bachelor of science in elementary education and a master’s degree in elementary school psychology.
On Dec. 27, 1961, John married the love of his life, Connie Womacks. They shared 64 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, family and service.
John was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jamie Jo. He is survived by his daughter, Debra, who spent 17 years with Auburn City Schools, retiring as principal of J.F. Drake Middle School.
John was a proud grandfather of Allie and Tanner and great-grandfather of Winnie and John Flynn. Family meant everything to him, and he took great joy in watching them grow, supporting their interests and always making time for them.
John was also known for his stone-carved crosses, a reflection of his creativity, faith and generous spirit. His faith, family and friends were the foundations of his life. He found true happiness in helping others and was always willing to lend a hand, offer a kind word or provide encouragement to anyone in need.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the J.F. Drake Middle School John Staton Fund, 655 N. Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832.
He is survived by Connie Staton and family; Debbie and Bryan Flowers, Allie and Nick Devine, John Flynn and Winters Devine and Tanner and Peri Cimo.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church Chapel. Visitation will be held 2 to 3 p.m. at Auburn United Methodist Church Chapel.
SAMUEL LARO SR.
Sammy “crossed the River” to be with his Lord and Savior on Sept. 27, 2026, surrounded by His beautiful family in heart and spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luciano Laro and Bonita Perez Laro, many brothers and sisters; and one great-grandchild, Kenleigh Dawn Wilgis.
He is survived by his wife, Mae Laro; five children: Samuel Laro (Tina), Joe Laro (Jennifer), Charles (Angelica), Tabitha Dawn Harris (Tim)and Donna Watson (Jimmy); 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grands; sister Mary Jane Sanchez (Martin); and brother Luciano Laro Jr. (Alicia).
His journey settled in Opelika in 1974 where he was blessed with his two sons, Samuel and Joe. His boys were his pride and joy. From teaching Samuel to work on cars and anything with a motor to showing up at Joe’s baseball games, he encouraged them every step of the way. He showed them how to be a man of God who works hard and provides for his family.
His heart was transformed when he was powerfully saved at 16 years old and later became an ordained minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He loved to play the guitar and sing and soon began traveling across the Alabama and Georgia area as a minister. He was zealous and wanted everybody everywhere to know his sweet Jesus and Lord.
Early in the morning on New Year’s Day in 1990, he met a beautiful lady named Mae at Shoney’s and she quickly became the love of his life, AKA his “butterfly.” They got married in March of that year and had 36 blissful and adventurous years of marriage. From the beginning, they were determined to keep God first and truly accomplished that — one of many jewels that will be placed in his crown at Jesus’ feet.
They blended two families together with five children. He fully accepted Mae’s children, Charles, Tabitha Dawn and Donna, and began to love them as a father would. Together they would cherish the special moments as a godly family. He was a giver of the heart and hard worker. Always providing godly and fatherly love and support every possible opportunity.
Through the 36 beautiful years, he became the absolute most amazing Paw Paw to 15 grandchildren: Sammy Jr., Joshua, Aaron, Kayla, Destiny, McKinsley, Kerri Halland, Alana, Azariah, Amber, Chelsea, Nicolas, Timothy, Joseph and Hannah; and 22 great-grandchildren who are the apple of his eye. He left a beautiful legacy of love and kindness keeping Christ as the center of everything.
His proud career as a heavy machine operator and foreman was made through consistent dedication for Buchannan for 15 years and Cleveland Brothers for 27 years.
Sammy and Mae were faithful to church throughout their marriage. Most recently, they were active members of Lakeside Church of God. They had many friends within the community.
He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. His life and conversations impacted so many lives throughout his journey here on earth, continually pointing them to His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, all the way to his last breath.
May his legacy live on in us all.
Pallbearers will be Samuel Laro Jr., Joe Laro, Samuel Laro III, Joshua Laro, Timothy Watson, Joseph Watson and Nicolas Caleb Laro.
JUDITH BROWNING
On Dec. 28, 1943, Judith Emily Durkee was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Years later, both La Crosse and Auburn were listed in U.S. News and World Report as top 10 cities in which to live; they were listed as such in the same issue. As Judy liked to laughingly say: “I have lived at the best places at both ends of my life.”
Judy was the middle of three children. Her parents, John and Helen Durkee, provided a loving home, and their Catholic faith was central to their schooling, their spirituality and way of life. Judy’s family was also nurtured and surrounded by their numerous La Crosse kin. The five Skemp families on their mother’s side provided the Durkee children with 41 first cousins, who were an important part of Judy’s life, especially in her growing-up years.
Judy graduated from St. Aquinas High School in 1962. She next enrolled where her mother had graduated 31 years earlier — St. Francis School of Nursing. Judy comes from a long line of medical professionals, including her father who was a pharmacist, her three uncles who were physicians and her mother who was a nurse. Judy proudly, and most honorably, carried on this family tradition of medicine by becoming a registered nurse.
Judy’s specialty was that of an intensive care nurse. Over her career, she managed more than 200 ICU RNs in two major hospitals, one at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon, and the other at East Alabama Hospital in Opelika. Her care was above and beyond in both states.
“She provided the highest quality of nursing care to our ICU patients…”
“You are the very best manager I have ever worked for.”
“Judy, you have left memories of you in many people. Your influences will be realized for years to come.”
These are just a few of the tributes to her outstanding care and service of more than 50 years.
In 1965, Judy began her career at the University of Wisconsin hospital in Madison. It was there that she met Philip, who was undergoing his doctoral studies. The two married three years later in the Northwest, where Phil took his first job at the University of Oregon. She had fun telling others that the Beatles “Hey Jude” was first released just four months before their wedlock. Eugene was the cornerstone for building a family because it was there that she gave birth to her three children: Michael (‘69), Timothy (‘71) and Lisa (‘75). She was a nurse, a wife and a very proud and loving mother of her three beautiful children. And, of course, a friend to all.
In 1989, Judy and Phil moved to Auburn, where they began the next chapter of advancing their careers and lives. Over the next 30 years, eight grandchildren and six great-grands were born. Judy made it known that “All of my grands are great!” Likewise, all of them thought of their grandmother “La La” as great. They were a part of her, and she was a part of them.
When Judy and Phil married, she quickly became an endeared part of the Browning brothers and was in highest regard to her in-laws. Phil’s mother would often say “I have five boys — four sons, a husband and now a beloved daughter.” Judy was always a treasured part of her in-laws and they of her.
In addition to Judy’s most beloved family, she delighted in engaging with many social groups, one of which was with her seven high school girl friends. They all returned for a reunion years after their 1962 graduation; they had now become wives, mothers and professionals in their various occupations. During the gathering, they drafted a plan for their future. Over the next 20 years, they met every other year where 10 states welcomed this childhood ‘camaraderie known as the “Ya-Yas,” named after the novel — “Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.”
When traveling became more difficult, they continued to meet and savor this lifetime of friendship through monthly Zoom calls. According to Judy, friendship never ends.
Judy was a butterfly who embraced many colorful endeavors. To name a few: Bridge with friends, football with Phil, coffee with colleagues and theater, arts and cultural performances of all varieties. Judy read for pleasure during her alone time; she would laughingly say that books were her ‘quiet’ friends. Sunday Mass was a love that she seldom missed. She met at St. Michael’s with her dear friends, who named their weekly devotional group Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Judy’s love of family, friends and work was enhanced by her spiritual devotion.
Travel was one of Judy’s favorite activities. A memorable trip was Phil’s sabbatical, in which the family spent three months motoring much of the country while recording more than 7,000 miles in their Volvo wagon. The family’s “House on Wheels” was an unforgettable venture. Judy’s other travels are captured in their publication “Our Travels Through the Years.” As you turn the pages, you can imagine Judy and family cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, coasting down California’s Highway 101, sightseeing the New England States, overlooking the canyons out west, spending a Christmas in Switzerland, vacationing in England’s Cotswolds or seeing Pope Francis while touring the Vatican. Their next trip was always in the making.
Judy was in her 70s when noticeable changes began. Despite the subtle and gradual changes that set in, she remained active in walking, singing, dancing and laughing. Even though her faculties continued to drift, her radiant smile always stood steadfast, her smiles always remained present. Judy always insisted “laughter is the best medicine.”
Judy’s years were filled with immense happiness and love for her family, friends, service and church. Surrounding this composite of priceless ingredients was her smile, and halo of gladness and joy for the good things in life.
Judith Emily Browning departed quietly and peacefully on the eve of Sept. 23, 2026. She was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by husband Philip; her three children Michael, Timothy and Lisa; her stepson Craig; her 10 grandchildren; six great-grands; her brother Jack; and sister Mary.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn located at 1100 S. College St. on Saturday, Oct. 17. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. that morning, followed by the service to begin at noon. Afterward, family members will go to Town Creek Cemetery for Judy’s interment.
TED WILLIAM BRAZELL
Ted William Brazell, 74, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25, 2026. He was born and raised in St. Louis and was named after Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams. He was destined to be a baseball player. He played baseball at Meramec Junior College in St. Louis where his team was second in the nation in 1970. Ted was then drafted by the Detroit Tigers in June of 1970. He was with the Tigers for 14 years — 10 as a minor league player and four as a minor league manager. He was invited to several big league spring training camps and always liked to say he was cut by some of the most famous major league managers. After retiring from baseball, he made a name for himself in Montgomery, Alabama, as the coach to see about hitting. He gave hitting lessons for 20 years at his batting cage setup in a warehouse. He worked 25 years for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Some of the proudest moments of his life were his son Craig getting drafted by the New York Mets and eventually being promoted to the major leagues. He was a proud grandfather of three boys and loved watching them grow and play sports. He was on the golf course with his golfing buddies whenever he could get there.
Survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary (Grimes) Brazell; son, Craig Brazell, and daughter-in-law, Lanie Stuebe Brazell; and grandsons, Trot, Tagg and Tipp.
Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with mass at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.
LARRY BENNETT REEVES
Larry Bennett Reeves, 80, passed away on Oct. 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, loving father and cherished grandfather, Larry lived a life rooted in family, faith, hard work and service to others.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 17, 1946, Larry was the son of David Douglas Reeves and Carolyn Bennett Reeves. He grew up in Macon, Mississippi, and attended Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and later an MBA from Mercer University. Following college, he served for six years in the United States Army Reserve.
Larry built a 33-year career with South Central Bell and BellSouth, working in accounting and treasury. His career took him to Jackson, Birmingham, Brentwood and Atlanta. After retiring from AT&T, he began another chapter with Keller Williams, serving as a business office manager for 10 years.
Larry also gave his time to the communities he called home. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, served on the Brentwood Planning Commission and a Tennessee credit union board and coached youth soccer and basketball. Larry was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika.
Easy to befriend and steady in his actions, Larry valued a simple life. His closest friends knew him as a content and confident man who was always willing to speak up for what he believed. He brought that same steadiness to his roles as a husband and father.
An avid fisherman and lover of the outdoors, Larry enjoyed fishing trips to Alaska, Montana, Louisiana and Costa Rica. Closer to home, he appreciated a good Western, especially an episode of Gunsmoke.
To his four grandchildren, Larry was simply Pops. They loved fishing with him and spending time together in the country. Those shared days are treasured memories of a grandfather they will always lovingly remember.
Larry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lucy Cunningham Reeves; his son, David Reeves and daughter-in-law, Aleana; his daughter, Sarah Benko, and son-in-law, Jared; and his grandchildren, Brynn Reeves, Mason Reeves, Hudson Benko and Cooper Benko.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David Douglas Reeves and Carolyn Bennett Reeves; and his brother, Bill Reeves.
Larry will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His memory will live on in the communities he served and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the
family asks that donations be made to Ru’s Roots Foundation, a local gym supporting people with Parkinson’s through adaptive physical activity, or to the Parkinson’s Association of Alabama
MICHAEL SHANNON SPATES
Remembering Shannon
Michael Shannon Spates, 57, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 1, 2026, at Bethany House. Shannon fought a valiant three-year battle with cancer, displaying a resilience that never dimmed his incredible zest for life or his uncanny ability to make others laugh. Known as someone who never met a stranger, his warmth and humor earned him a vast circle of deeply cherished friends.
Born in Lee County on April 25, 1969, Shannon grew up in the local community and attended Beauregard High School. A proud alumnus of Auburn University (1996), Southern Union Community College (1994) and Lawson State Community College (2012), where he earned his HVAC license, Shannon was driven by a strong work ethic. He dedicated his career to the trade, working for Spencer Heating and Air at the time of his passing.
Shannon’s greatest joy was his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Scottie Spates, who taught him how to work with his hands and the love of God.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Claudia; his daughters, Abigail Lowery (Nic) and Brooke Scottie Spates; and his mother, Connie Weaver Spates. He also leaves behind his sisters, Stacy Negley (Todd) and Shellie Gregory (Brad); nephew, Easton Gregory, and niece, Elle Palin Gregory; and his sister-in-law, Paola Curtis (Charles); and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.
A life of love and laughter
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Providence Baptist Church, located at 2807 Lee Road 166 in Opelika. Visitation will take place in the main church starting at 10 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11 a.m.
The Spates family extends their deepest gratitude to the many friends who helped them navigate this difficult journey alongside Shannon. They also wish to offer a special thank you to the compassionate caregivers at Bethany House and in-home Hospice for their exceptional care, comfort and support.
If you feel led, the family asks that you honor Shannon’s memory by doing what he did best: meet a stranger and make them laugh, share the love of Jesus or do something selfless for someone you don’t know.
Shannon’s legacy of laughter, strength and unconditional kindness will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55: 8-9 (KJV)
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15: 4 (KJV)
Arrangements are entrusted to Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.
DONNA MARIE DAVIS
Donna Marie Davis, 71, of Opelika, passed away on Sunday, Octo. 4, 2026 at East Alabama Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.
Donna was born on Feb. 13, 1955, in South Carolina to her parents Wanda and Edward Thomas. She was a loving mother, grandmother, spouse and friend who will be greatly missed.
Donna is survived by her spouse Wayne Kimble; daughters, Kathy Phillips and April Wyatt; and several grandchildren.
