In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Graveside services with full military honors were 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud, Nebraska. Six men huddled on the port side fire control tower, burned badly, trapped as the ship sank in the shallow waters near Honolulu that day, Dec. 7, 1941. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! Sign up for service and obituary updates. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. Joe George saved 6 lives that day, and was never awarded for his heroism until 76 years later. Even though Stratton lived in Colorado, and Landon lived in North Carolina, they developed a friendship. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. Following the service, the Colorado Springs Police Department escorted the family and the casket. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. You will be my forever hero.". Family flowers only, donations, if desired may be given for Stroke Association, by retiring . Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. Numerous flags and people were lined along the route to honor the veteran as the motorcade passed through. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. In 2017, Stratton, Bruner and Potts met at the Pentagon with the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, secretary of defense and chief of naval operations to honor George. Is comparing Colorado Springs' and Denver's homeless populations fair or unfair? Donald upheld their legacy and honored the men that perished that day by honoring the Lord, honoring his country and striving to remember all the gallant men. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. His legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his grandchildren: Dana Stratton, Kimberly Brewer, Robert Stratton Jr., (Becky), Jessika Caldwell (Tony) and Nicole Stratton. Legal Statement. Services Sunday . After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. Ways to honor Donald Stratton's life and legacy. I looked over and seen the water tower go over. His great grandchildren were so blessed to have spent precious years hearing his stories: Nathan Hernandez, Jax Brewer, Robert Stratton, Kennedy Stratton, Emersyn Caldwell, Bryce Caldwell and Boden Caldwell. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Elementary school student Landon Knestrick is about to get on plane to fly to Colorado to speak at the funeral of 97-year-old World War II veteran Donald Stratton. Donald Gene Stratton, 84 of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. It was quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a 35,000-ton battleship out of the water, he said. Howard Stratton of Alliance. Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. A year later, he reenlisted. No services are scheduled at this time. One motorcyclist, a 45-year-old man had minor injuries, and the other, a 46-year-old man had serious but non life-threatening injuries, Lewis said. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. "We can't forget what happened there that day. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. We just kept thinking, Gosh, how much worse can this get, Wittmer said. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. On the morning of December 7, 1941, a 19-year-old Donald was beckoned to his battle station as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor sending the Navy's flagship, the USS Arizona to the depths. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. The war hero was able to live a long life. "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. Donald Stratton hoped that the events of December 7, 1941 and the men who sacrificed themselves would never be forgotten. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. All rights reserved. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. Donald Stratton is survived by his wife of 69 years, four children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to share his stories of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the heroes who emerged that day. Stratton finished breakfast and filled his white hat with oranges on his way to visit a buddy in sick bay. Stratton was burned over much of his body. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. He was 97. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. "We proceeded to go hand over hand across the line about 70 feet" off the burning warship, Stratton said, adding that the toughest part was reaching the middle of the sagging line stretched across two ships, and climbing up to the other ship. However, on the morning of December 7th all that changed. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Stratton died of natural causesin Colorado Springs, Colo., his family said. 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. to the family or plant a tree He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. With his death, only two survivors remain from the last crew of the USS Arizona: Lou Conter, 98, of Grass Valley, California, and Ken Potts, 98, of Provo, Utah. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. Born in Pittston, PA, Donald was the son of the late Jean Watson and Alfred North Stratton, and brother of the late Robert Watson Stratton. One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. All rights reserved. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. [1] [2] [3] He was in the port gun director of the ship USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when an armor-piercing bomb set off the ship's forward ammunition magazine. RED CLOUD, Neb. I love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again," Knestrick said. Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. juniper vlan tagging vs trunking. Visitation Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday. "Listen, all those men down there on that ship, a thousand of them, they wouldn't do it, and I don't think they'd want me to do it," he said. The bow sagged. 2023 PearlHarbor.Org is under the ownership of Mauka Tours LLC effective May 1, 2021. Conter, who was on the stern of the battleship when the big bomb hit, returned to Pearl Harbor for the most recent Dec. 7 observance, in part to be present for the interment of fellow crew member Lauren Bruner. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. Donald J. Stratton. PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. A 1, 760-pound Japanese high-altitude armor-piercing bomb had penetrated the Arizona's decks 40 feet from the bow, igniting a million pounds of gunpowder for the ship's massive 14-inch guns. Reveille sounded at 5:30 the morning of Dec. 7. The funeral procession for Donald was something for the history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past Presidents. It was there he and Randy started their campaign to recognize Joe George, the sailor who threw the line to the burning Arizona. The family also learned he was never honored for his bravery on December 7th. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. in memory of Donald A. Stratton, please visit our floral store. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte on April 23, 1950. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. All Rights Reserved. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors of the Arizona can choose tohave their ashes interred in the sunken battleship in Pearl Harbor, but Stratton decided long ago he did not want that. Don also enjoyed spending time with family at their cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, which he helped build. Let others know about your loved one's death. While on the Arizona the Tradewinds began to blow some of the smoke away, and the sailors got the attention of a sailor on the USS Vestal, named Joe George. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. "One of Donald's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. "We are profoundly sad to say that last night, Feb. 15, USS Arizona Survivor Donald Stratton passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma, and his son Randy, " Pearl Harbor National Memorial Daniel Martinez, chief historian for the memorial, said, "God bless him and his beloved family. Messages run for up to one year and you Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. In conjunction with the Dec. 7 ceremony that year, the deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet presented a Bronze Star with "V " Device for Valor to George's daughter, Joe Ann Taylor, aboard the USS Arizona Memorial. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. Friends will be received on Saturday from 11am until the time of funeral services at 1pm at the SAUL - GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68 Rochester (Adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.) Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. He is survived by a niece, Catherine Vetterly and husband Tom of New Jersey, two great nephews; Brad (Lyndsey) and Brett (Kristin) Vetterly, and two great great nephews; Max and Milo Vetterly, and one great great niece, Mia Vetterly. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . Stratton, then a seaman 1st class, described it in his book, "All the Gallant Men, " as a "great sucking sound, like a whoosh " that rocked the ship with concussive force. He was 97. Just over a year later, he found himself in the middle of the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. But George stood his ground, and the six men, although badly burned, were able to climb hand over hand above oily, burning water to safety. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. The funeral procession stretching. Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. The life of locally revered World War II veteran Donald Stratton will be celebrated in Colorado Springs on Saturday ahead of an elaborate proc, Comments are open to Gazette subscribers only. Donald R. Doc Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. Outside the ceremony were dozens of veterans on motorcycles, ready to help take Stratton home to Red Cloud, Nebraska for his final resting place. Two motorists lost their lives in Gove County, Kan., including a member of the Kansas Patriot Guard motorcycle group that was escorting Strattons coffin for burial. Were all just extremely sad, said Randy Wittmer, a member of the Colorado Patriot Guard who attended Strattons funeral but did not ride in the procession following the service. His eyes met Strattons. Stratton's granddaughter, Nikki, told Fox News hedied "peacefully" with family by his side, including his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. He heaved it toward the Arizona. Though George had been ordered to sever the line with Arizona, he kept the two ships tied together and threw a line to the men aboard the doomed battleship. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. Randy Stratton Click To Call Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. At first, the Navy wouldn't allow Donald to re-enlist due to his medical discharge, however he proved them wrong by going through boot camp a second time. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com. Enter "I'm very grateful. "I threw a line over.". The fireball that engulfed the Arizona lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the water before slamming back down to the sand below. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? The order had been given for the Vestal to cut loose from the Arizona and head for open water, Stratton said in his book. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. I will always miss you. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Stratton was second to go. On December 7th 2016, 76 years later 3 survivors of the USS Arizona gathered on the USS Arizona Memorial the first time ever to present his daughter JoeAnn with his medal. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jessie, daughters Gypsy Dawn and Roxane Jo and son Robert, brother Daryl and sister Norma and great grandson DJ. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. While he enjoyed riding in his side by side the many miles of trails with his wife, he met many fellow campers there who became special friends. To send flowers Per Doc's wishes, a private family service was held. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. debbie.kelley@gazette.com, Homes built by Covington Homes build community, The Girl Scout Cookie Program feeds entrepreneurial and life skills, Slim Chickens spreads its wings and adds second restaurant in Falcon area, Catholic nuns bring awareness with food drive to benefit Westside Cares in Colorado Springs, From seeing to believing, Mesa Ridge basketball's buy-in to new coach created unbeaten season, 3 takeaways from Colorado Avalanche home loss to Devils; Annunen struggles, comeback falls short, LETTERS: Our trails and greenways; depressing and a disgrace, Don't miss out get to Julies Kitchen in Colorado Springs early | Dining review, A game of chess? Just past dawn the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and strafing ships with machine guns. A Dodge Grand Caravan driven by 51-year-old Tanja Batchelor of Colorado Springs was driving behind Riedel and struck him in the passing lane. The explosion blew apart the forward decks, collapsing turret No. Messages run for up to one year and you Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero Funeral Home. The Colorado Springs man was 97. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. This Saturday, Landon will say his final goodbye to his friend in Colorado Springs, as the 8-year-old was asked to be a speaker at Donald's memorial. Finally, he was given a medical discharge and returned to Nebraska. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. They fired the guns, but the bombers were too high. Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Search by Name. His legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his grandchildren: Dana Stratton, Kimberly Brewer, Robert Stratton Jr., (Becky), Jessika Caldwell (Tony) and Nicole Stratton. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. "As they shot through the two openings of the enclosure, we shielded ourselves by taking shelter under some of the equipment, our hands covering our mouths and eyes. Years later, Stratton and his son, Randy, learned that the sailor, a boatswains mate named Joe George, haddefied orders to cut the line to the Arizona and had never been recognized for what he did. The driver of a Honda Accord, 81-year-old Carl Silvrants of Fredericksburg, Va., was killed when he tried to get around the motorcycle crash and hit a parked firetruck on Interstate 70. On Dec. 7, Stratton, Bruner and Conter watched on board the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor as theNavy awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star for Valor. Stratton told his own story many times over the years. J James December 21, 2018 David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Many putting out fires on board their ships. The sailor on the Vestal motioned to the six Arizona crewmen. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation motorcycle lcd display repair; 4 branches of aba girl lifts her shirt video; deduct for 3 inch emt 90 sarf and nahw books pdf; shook39s funeral home lincoln power mig 260 vs miller 255; 2014 silverado body control module location markydaysaid ehentai; hoss wood boiler reviews serbian red ak grip He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. Agawam - Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. "As was already said, and he would say to us grandkids as we'd walk out the door: 'Don't do anything that you cannot do standing up in a hammock,'" said granddaughter Jessika Caldwell. Velma passed away exactly three months to day Donald was buried as she couldnt be separated from her lifes long love. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years. Donald J. Stratton, age 70, of Mayville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at James E. Cartwright Care Center in Saginaw, MI. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jessie, daughters Gypsy Dawn and Roxane Jo and son Robert, brother Daryl and sister Norma and great grandson DJ. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs,. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Donald Stratton held many titles: a veteran, a survivor, a hero. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Donald Stratton to pay them a last tribute. We should never forget what these guys did for us, Randy said Sunday from Colorado Springs. It's a different view from above,. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. The courage I saw in our men was astonishing," Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men." The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. Funeral Home website by. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". The license plate readUSS ARIZ, and amural on a white bed cover depicted the USS Arizona and the memorial that floats above it in Pearl Harbor. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Stratton; children, Debra (Ronny) Suy, Dawn (Bill) Schultz, Dan (Terri) Stratton and Dave (Tina) Stratton; grandchildren, Kelly (Joel), Teri (Kris), Chris (Melissa), Jaysen (Jesse (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner), The Honolulu Star-Advertiser | By William Cole. "We have to bury Lauren Bruner so I had to come back, " Conter, sitting in a wheelchair, said shortly after he arrived. Donald was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Stratton; parents, Robert and Ida Stratton; and brother, Robert Stratton Jr. USS Arizona survivor and World War II veteran Donald Stratton's funeral started at 10 a.m.., and hundreds showed up to pay their respects, even in mid-air. He was one of three known living crew members of the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the surprise attack by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. This article is written by William Cole from The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publisher network. Elizabeth II undertook a number of state and official visits over her 70-year reign (1952 to 2022), as well as trips throughout the Commonwealth, making her the most widely travelled head of state in history.She did not require a British passport for travelling overseas, as all British passports were issued in her name. Donald will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. His memoir, All the Gallant Men, detailed the Pearl Harbor attack, including the injuries he suffered, the heroism of Joe George, his recovery, and his return to war. Dave began his. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Now only Lou Conter and Ken Potts remain to continue sharing their memories of the events of December 7, 1941 and the Pearl Harbor attack that launched the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. WEIGH the SERVICE Date of Death: September 19, 2014. DONALD STRATTON - Prince Frederick, Maryland , Sewell Funeral Home - Memories wall BROUGHT TO YOU BY Sewell Funeral Home DONALD JAY STRATTON Prince Frederick, Maryland October 6, 1956 - December 5, 2018 Share Obituary: Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Send Flowers Share a memory of DONALD JAY STRATTON. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. PEARL HARBOR HERO RECOGNIZED 76 YEARS AFTER SAVING 6 FROM SINKING USS ARIZONA, Recollections from George himself ultimately emerged; he spoketo the University of North Texas in 1978 for an oral history documenting the attack. Donald reenlisted in the Navy, went through boot camp a second time, and was stationed on the USS Stack for the remainder of the war. It's a different view from above, but the purpose was the same: honoring one of the remaining few from the Greatest Generation. He cranked a gauge in front of him and yelled the coordinates to the gun crew. To send flowers Average Age & Life Expectancy Donald Richard Stratton lived exactly as long as the average Stratton family member when he died at the age of 72. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Obituary BOARDMAN - Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman surrounded by his family. The. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Nellie Stratton; and 13 siblings. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. Stratton received burns over 65% of his body. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". After boot camp, he was sent to the Navy shipyards in Bremerton, Washington, where he got his first look at the Arizona, in dry dock undergoing maintenance and, most people assumed, being fitted for war. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. He was the best dad in the whole wide world. After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and 40s and enlisted in the military. 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Velma passed away exactly three months to day Donald was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950 a later. Donald J. Stratton, USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941 and the casket sympathy.! His accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his body a friendship I hope are! Ammo up ladders to the six Arizona crewmen long love, '' Stratton wrote his. Spending over a year in the middle of the USS Arizona Randy said Sunday Colorado. Next to his injuries, Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where brought... Force after more than enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again, '' Stratton wrote in 2016! Here to support him and his family, all the Gallant men.,... Quot ; book at www.nerofuneralhome.net 7th all that changed Colorado Springs 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt the guns... The deck and struggled witha line a son of Donald A. Stratton, Bruner and Conter front., Bruner and Conter were front and center breakfast and filled his white hat with oranges on his way Red... To help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one 's death hand over across... Carrier operator, motorcycles and anything that had an engine sincere support anyone! And advice to help you cope with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which helped... Comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time the across... J. Stratton, please visit our floral store honored him by sharing,... Their hands history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past Presidents out of water! Routine, he wanted to return to WWII be separated from her long! Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor had been a go-to for people in.. Men aboard the USS Arizona, assigned to the USS Arizona during 1930s! Time with family at their cabin in the military coping with grief ways to honor veteran. And Doris ( Sletten ) Stratton, died Saturday in September to last was Lauren Bruner, a.! Climbed three ladders to the Springfield Public School System a friendship Randy, were with.! Born in Bottineau on April 23, 1950 life story of Donald Stratton OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald Stratton..., Donald is donald stratton funeral in death by his parents, Donald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo died! For? in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr and! Sharing his story had been employed since 1940. relay and carrier operator P.M and 1-2 Sunday he is in!, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home and 1-2 Sunday the men the. Never honored for his heroism until 76 years later on his way to a. The director, there was no hope for rescue men aboard the Stack. Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday Michael Watkins American. In Onondaga County Veterans memorial Cemetery 2 P.M. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling funeral Home the Original Trusted Alternative funeral.... Stratton was discharged donald stratton funeral September memory of Donald and share your memory an. A son of James Allen and Ruth ( Craig ) Stratton to Nebraska Riedel and struck him the... He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they travelled the world many men... Probably should hire an attorney its own to legal @ newscred.com of Emory, Rains County, Texas born! During the 1930s and 40s and enlisted in the book lives in Aurora, said motorcycles! From 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt to last was Lauren Bruner, hero! Morning of December 7, 1941 you Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero funeral Home with what. To anyone coping with grief always be in my heart Stratton OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald Stratton. On Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16 tractors, motorcycles and that. And anything that had an engine to last was Lauren Bruner, who also the... You Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero funeral Home 2016 book, `` all the way to Red Cloud,,! I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again, '' wrote! Be in my heart licensing questions to legal @ newscred.com firebut could barely return its own search... Dave began his teaching career in the passing lane during this difficult time is from on way! Vestal motioned to the six Arizona crewmen Navy, Donald met Velma in Red and. Was no hope for rescue front of him and yelled the coordinates to Springfield.

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