Dean Oliver Staton

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear husband and father, Dean Oliver Staton. Dean passed away at the Anaconda Community Hospital on Friday, February 13, 2026.

He was born in Missoula, Montana, March 26, 1941, to Herbert Olin and Mamie Margaret (Stumvoll) Staton. Dean attended local Anaconda schools and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1959. He attended University of Montana Western in Dillon Montana, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. He taught industrial arts, math and drivers’ education. He especially loved coaching football and track.

On July 15, 1967, Dean married the beautiful Mary Ann Kovacich. From this union, three daughters were born: Margaret Ann, Dianne Marie and Linda Sue. They were married for 59 years.

In 1971, Dean and family moved back to Anaconda from Easten Montana to be closer to family and work at the smelter. In 1981, after the smelter closed Dean had various jobs around town. He was the proud owner of Anaconda Archery shop for many years.

Dean had almost too many hobbies to mention. Recently, he became a poet writing the “Epiphany of Three” of which he was very proud of and shared with many people. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, tinkerer, inventor, mechanic, and beekeeper. He loved fishing, reloading ammunition, making jams and jellies, smoking fish, machining parts, and gardening. He had a brilliant mind and his passion was reading, and more reading!

He also was a singer and talented musician mastering the banjo and guitar. He was a band member of the Ivy Leaguers and the Renegades, whom had a record recorded. He was a man of so many talents and brutally honest. His mind was sharp as a tack, and he was still cracking jokes till the end. Many neighbors, family and friends consulted him frequently on figuring out complex problems like math equations, inventions and projects. It’s hard to describe his life in a few simple paragraphs.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary Ann and daughters: Margaret (Steve Lott), Dianne (Nick Detmer), Linda (Ray Beck). He is also survived by two beautiful granddaughters, Anneliese and Katrina Detmer; brother and sister-in-laws: Andrew John and Carole, Joe, Mike and Willene Kovacich. Along with many adored nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Mamie Staton; his infant broth Keith Leroy; in-laws Andy and Barbara Kovacich; and two sisters-in-laws, Betsy and Sharon Kovacich.

Thank you to the Anaconda Community Hospital for their loving care in helping our dear husband and father pass over. Special thanks to Dr. Como, Leann Smith and the entire medical staff.

Celebration of life will be on Saturday, February 28, 2026. His internment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery at 11:30 am. His funeral service will be at Longfellow Funeral Home at 1:00 pm with cake and coffee to follow.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Dean and his family.