Benton A. Staley was an active businessman and community leader for many years, continuing the family tradition of pioneering Frisco. His ancestors had settled in Frisco in 1870.

Benton A. Staley began working for undertaker W. T. Byrum as a boy and later became an undertaker and funeral director. He and his wife, Maureen Carter Staley, purchased the funeral home from Byrum in 1949. The funeral home as located on the corner of North County Road and Maple. They sold the business in 1971.

Benton Staley was active in many local organizations including the Lions Club, of which he served as the first president. Mrs. Staley was president of the Frisco Garden Club 1953-1954. Benton A. Staley was also the first president and chairman of the board for the Frisco Youth Center Corporation. He served as mayor of Frisco for three terms.

Benton and Maureen had two children, William Benton Staley and Nola Jo Springfield. Frisco Independent School District honored the Staley Family with the dedication of Benton A. Staley Middle School.