William F. "Frank" Poppy Staats, 76, of South Charleston, received his glorious wings on January 27, 2022 , after fighting NSC lung cancer, stage 4 for several months.

He was born on April 16, 1945 to his beloved parents, Bill Staats and Ada Holley Staats.

Frank was a Stonewall Jackson High School Alumni, attended West Virginia State University and retired from the Charleston Fire Department 26 years ago.

He was a great hunter and loved the outdoors, camping, etc. Frank's #1 love was his granddaughter, Emma Marie Staats. He adored her.

From the time he was four, almost five years old, he fought for his life. Frank was burned badly on his leg and his parents were told that he would lose it. When he went home, he rode his bicycle which exercised his leg and saved it from amputation. For years after that, he had to endure many skin graft surgeries. Next, he lost his children while active in the United States Marine Corps. Frank was a fighter. He never gave up on life, living it to the fullest. Frank was a friend to all and would help anyone in need. He was known as the "Mayor of Phillips Street" since he would take care of any problems in the neighborhood.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Staats Miller; brother, Lloyd Staats; son, Frankie Staats; daughter, Melissa Staats; step-mother, Dessie Staats; step-father, Cecil French; father-in-law, Hubert Davis; and mother-in-law, Juanita Cummings Davis.

Frank is survived by his wife of 51 years, Pam Davis Staats; sons, Chad Staats and Tad (Katie) Staats; brothers, John (Susie, deceased) Staats. Aaron Staats and Ward (Peggy) Staats; sister, Margaret (Glen) Triplett; aunt and uncle, Ronald and Martha Brillhart; and of course, his Emma!; best pal, Bosco, who took over his recliner as soon as Poppy left; many nieces, nephews, co-workers, friends, family members and great neighbors. He is already terribly missed.

Frank was buried in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery on January 31. Due to inclement weather and COVID, no services were held at that time.

A memorial military rites service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday April 15, in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery with his brother, Aaron Staats officiating. The United States Marine Corps. Color Guard and the Charleston Fire Department and Color Guard will be present.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's name to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston, WV 25387.

At 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, which would have been Frank's 77th birthday, there will be a memorial picnic in his honor at shelter #2 in Little Creek Park, South Charleston. Please bring your favorite picnic food and drinks (NO ALCOHOL PLEASE) All of the paper products will be furnished. A thank you goes to our neighbor's nephew, David Freeman, for the memorial picnic idea. It will be a gathering of our great neighbors, family members from all sides, Frank's co-workers and all of our friend's who have stood by our sides. Everyone is welcome. Casual attire for both days! Please bring a lawn or bag chair for your own comfort. Hope to see you all.