Battle Ground celebrates church leaders for 40 years in community

Battle Ground — Ed Staton and his wife, Sherrel Staton, were honored by their congregation and other area pastors on Sept. 17 for their 40 years of leading Landmark Church. The Statons conducted their first service on Sept. 20, 1977. The event was Hawaiian-themed due to their love of the state. While Staton was offered the chance to leave to work out of a church in Texas, they wanted to stay in Battle Ground because of the community and they were looking for “a place to call home,” which is the tagline under their church sign. Not only have the Statons stayed in Battle Ground for 40 years, both of their kids work at the church now. They have five, soon to be six, grandkids, and 2017 saw Staton turn 65 and the couple celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.