Donald Wayne "Don" Staten, age 78, of Hamden, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022, at his home.  He was born September 4, 1943 at his grandparents' home in Hamden, which was now his home.  Don graduated from Hamden High School with the class of 1961.  He was a veteran of the United States Navy who served as a Radar Technician during the Vietnam War.  In his earlier years, Don was employed as a mechanic with his father-in-law at Henry Zinn's Used Cars.  He later worked at McNally Pittsburg Manufacturing as a fabricator/welder and supervisor for many years.  Following the closing of McNally's, Don was employed at, and retired from, General Mills, where he was employed for 23 years as a welder and machinist.  Don was also an avid farmer and a "Jack of all trades".  He enjoyed tinkering on anything and everything, attending both horse shows and car shows, and being a Ham Radio Operator with the call sign KD8GZZ.  Don attended Roads Missionary Baptist Church.  He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Dale Forshey of Wellston; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill and Jane Zinn of Hamden, Jerry and Sara Zinn of McArthur and John and Tessa Zinn of McArthur; friend, Judy Thompson of Hamden; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  Don was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth E. Cox Staten; and his wife, Renie Zinn Staten in 2012.  Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 7 ^th , from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 8 ^th , at 11 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Jerry Zinn officiating.  Burial, with military honors, will be in the Hamden Cemetery.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funealhome.com.