Biography:

Kevin Joseph Staten passed away on June 16th, 2026, at home, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. 

Kevin was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on September 6, 1960, to Edward and LaDonna Staten. Most of his childhood was spent in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he enjoyed baseball, golf and many close friendships. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1978.

Kevin attended the University of Arkansas where he received his degree in Finance and Banking. He belonged to Sigma Nu fraternity, was President of Blue Key, and chosen Who's Who of American College Students. Kevin was chosen to be a member of Mortar Board, Order of Omega, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Beta Gamma Sigma.  Extracurricular activities included playing softball, golf and trying his hand at intramural water polo.  

He attended the University of Arkansas School of Law and graduated in 1984 with a juris doctorate degree.  He started his career at the Laser Law Firm in Little Rock at the age of 24 and has been a trial lawyer for numerous insurance companies and their insureds his entire career. He tried over 400 jury trials in more than 40 counties.  He possessed the highest possible rating of AV-Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell for 15+ years.  Kevin was selected by his peers as a Mid-South Super Lawyer in the area of insurance defense over the past 16 years and was just named again for 2026. He has been selected as one of AY's best lawyers in Arkansas for several years, along with Arkansas Money and Politics Legal Elite.  Kevin spent his entire career at the Laser Law Firm and has been managing partner for 10 years before merging this past year with RBSR in Northwest Arkansas. 

Kevin married Karan DeBrie in 2001, and they recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Even though Kevin and Karan did not have any children, they loved their nieces and nephews as their own and enjoyed family time with all of them. Kevin seemed to visit Nebraska family more in the summer months after being stranded one Christmas experiencing a cold, windy and snowy Nebraska winter.  

Kevin and Karan enjoyed traveling, where they could experience their love of food, culture, history, sports and family.  His passions included University of Arkansas Athletics where he was an avid Razorback fan. They enjoyed several trips abroad as well as numerous sporting events, including bowl games, Masters' tournaments, and professional baseball games.  Relaxation was not one of Kevin's strong suits.  In recent years, Kevin learned to leave work behind to go sit on their balcony at the lake. Kevin got such joy by sharing with others, whether giving them seats at a Razorback game or inviting them to enjoy their condo on the lake. 

Kevin is survived by his wife Karan DeBrie Staten, his sister Susan Carter, sister-in-law Lauri Thanheiser, his brother-in-law Brian (Jane) DeBrie, his sister-in-law Gayle (Turner) Gill , his many nieces and nephews, Michael Newby, Grant Carter, Chandler Carter, Alex (Elsie) DeBrie, Alyssa (Travis) Hagen, Nicole (Sida) Niu, Jordan (Marcus) Sallis, and Margaux (Frederick) Slater.

He is preceded in death by his father Edward Staten, his mother LaDonna Staten Twyford, his sister Lisa Newby, and his brother-in-law Mike Newby. 

Visitation will be June 26th from 5-7 pm and a Celebration of Life Service on June 27th at 10:00 am, both at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR, 72205. RuebelFuneralHome.com

Memorials can be sent to: UAMS Foundation Fund attn: Medical Oncology and Head & Neck Surgery Clinic.  4301 W. Markham St., Slot 716, Little Rock,  AR  72205.  We are thankful for the dedication and care, as well as the relationships with his doctors, nurses and medical teams at UAMS.