On the morning of December 7, 1941, six sailors were rescued from the burning and sinking USS Arizona (BB-39) by Joe George, a crew member of the repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4). Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. You can make it,'" Stratton recalled. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. He was married to Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended. Services Sunday . He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. We found his family living in Arkansas, but Joe passed in the early 90s. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. to the family or plant a tree After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and '40s and enlisted in the military. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. All Rights Reserved. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. The. 1 some 28 feet and sending a fireball 500 feet into the air. Doc began his meat processing career in Westhope and through they years he worked as a meat cutter in numerous places through out North Dakota and Minnesota.He is survived by his companion, Jo Anne Freeberg of Roseville; daughter, Michelle Lafond (Jonas) of Auburn, GA; son, Marc Stratton (Susan) of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Cody Lafond and Kyle and Rylee Stratton; brothers, Bill Stratton (LeRae) of Westhope, Duane Stratton (Nancy) of Lakeville, MN and Keith Stratton (Donna) of Westhope; sister, Tudi Henderson (Ken) of Velva; one uncle; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins; and step-mother, Deloras Stratton.He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris Stratton and niece Morgan Stratton.Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Westhope. All rights reserved. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. 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 Helping USS Arizona Survivors and their Families. Agawam - Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. Graveside services with full military honors were 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud, Nebraska. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Donald Stratton to pay them a last tribute. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Just past dawn the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and strafing ships with machine guns. All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". I will always miss you. Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. I looked over and seen the water tower go over. 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. 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. Submit an Obituary. For more than a decade, Stratton and Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal. His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Donalds life was chronicled in the book All the Gallant Men which can be found online and your local book stores. Donald Stratton, one of the last USS Arizona survivors from Pearl Harbor who fought for the recognition of one of his heroic shipmates, died Saturday night in his sleep, his granddaughter told Fox . 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. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. Williams Funeral Home ". In the book, Donald references a poem that was placed in the wallet of Eleanor Roosevelt where it reads, Somehow out there, A man died for me today. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. 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. It was thunderous.. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. RED CLOUD, Neb. "One thing is for certain : Had Joe George not stood up for us, had he not been a rebel and refused to cut the line connecting the Vestal to the Arizona, we would have been cooked to death, " Stratton wrote. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. 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. Honoring the life and legacy of Donald Stratton - YouTube Over the weekend hundreds and thousands turned out throughout Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska to honor the life and legacy of the late. 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. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. 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. The Navy veteran said it wasn't until 2001, during a reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors,that he discovered the identity of the U.S. service member who saved his life and the lives of at least five other sailors: Chief Petty OfficerJoe George, who died in 1996. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. After years of striving to recognize Joe for his heroism that day, Donald, Lauren Bruner and their families, stood aboard the USS Arizona Memorial December 7, 2018 to posthumously honor Joe George with a Bronze Star with a V. The courage and bravery of Joe and the grit and grace of Donald has weaved together a precious community of families that hope to keep the memory of Pearl Harbor alive. It's just our way of saying goodbye," Bill Klaers said. George and the ship's captain "were engaged in some kind of a debate, a heated one " that conveyed to Stratton that "we didn't have a chance.". The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. DONALD EUGENE STRATTON FUNERAL HOME Swartz Funeral Home - Flint 1225 West Hill Road Flint, MI DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene born August. He and other survivors gathered together and signaled for help, which caught the attention of Joe George aboard the nearby USS Vestal. Stratton, 97, a Colorado Springs resident, died Feb. 15. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. On Satuday, Colorado Springs said goodbye to an American hero. Don Stratton, a founding member of the Krewe of Armeinius, passed away on August 30, 2021 at his home in New Orleans, one day before his 77th birthday. Many putting out fires on board their ships. Find an Obituary. Howard Stratton of Alliance. Messages run for up to one year and you (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner), The Honolulu Star-Advertiser | By William Cole. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. or redistributed. He heaved it toward the Arizona. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. Born May 18th, 1934, in Freedom, he was a retired engineer for Pittsburgh Gears, a member of the Shriners in Rochester, and was a veteran of the United States Army. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. officiating. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown, Red Cloud, Nebraska. 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. He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. "I threw a line over.". For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. 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. Receive a notification when services are updated. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. 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. My heart goes out for the families, as well as all those who sacrificed for their great country so I could be writing this right now! Don also enjoyed spending time with family at their cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, which he helped build. Donald will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. He was 97. Go read his book, know the sacrifices they made for you. His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. 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. It's a different view from above, but the purpose was the same: honoring one of the remaining few from the Greatest Generation. Donald Stratton returned to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, and the Battle of Okinawa. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. No services are scheduled at this time. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. Randy Stratton Click To Call In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. The war still raged in the Pacific. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Donald Stratton (July 14, 1922 - February 15, 2020) was an American veteran and memoirist of World War II who served in the United States Navy 's Pacific Fleet. However, on the morning of December 7th all that changed. Stratton was second to go. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. 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. 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. The war hero was able to live a long life. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. The funeral procession stretching from Colorado Springs to Red Cloud, Neb., was involved in three separate crashes along the nearly seven-hour, 448-mile route. He would have died on that platform.. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. "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. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. Upper Colorado Basin states postpone release of water to Lake Powell, Weekend things to do around Denver and beyond, Jurassic Quest, Banff Film Festival, Dart Wars and ski joring highlight weekend slate around Colorado Springs, PHOTOS: Cheyenne Mountain hockey beats Durango 5-0 in semifinals, PHOTOS: Nuggets 134-124 Overtime Win Over Clippers, SPECIAL REPORT | 4 recent murders: Colorado's troubled family court system ignores children in peril, Colorado Springs Mayoral Race | 2023 candidates and issues, GAZETTE PODCASTS | News, Sports, Cold Cases and Lifestyle, Sign up for our newsletters and get news that matters sent to your inbox, Watch: Donald Stratton's memorial service in Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs sends final salute to Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton, Multiple-car crash shuts down North Academy Boulevard in Colorado Springs Saturday night, Major I-25 Colorado Springs exit ramp to close for construction, Social Security update: First of March's two SSI payments to arrive in five days. Flint Journal. He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. On December 7, 1941, the United States suffered devastating losses On the morning of December 7, 1941, six sailors were To stay up to date on the latest information about Pearl Harbor, please follow us! This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. His eyes met Strattons. All rights reserved. Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. Stratton told his own story many times over the years. The fire burned at its highest level at around 8000 degrees, which is about 3 times hotter than lava coming out of the Kilauea volcano. Donald Stratton held many titles: a veteran, a survivor, a hero. Stratton's granddaughter, Nikki, told Fox News hedied "peacefully" with family by his side, including his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? In time, he tried to let go of his anger toward the Japanese, but he could never forget what happened. -- In a tragic update to an already somber occasion, we're learning that two people are dead from separate crashes that happened during the funeral motorcade for Pearl Harbor veteran Donald Stratton. STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene - Mt. Donald Stratton as a young sailor in 1940. He was the best dad in the whole wide world. They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. "He gave us his words, through 'All the Gallant Men,' that will never be forgottenand you will never be forgotten," said Stratton's son, Randy. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and 40s and enlisted in the military. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. World War II veteran Donald Stratton was transported in a funeral procession from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Red Cloud, Nebraska on Saturday, Feb. 29. Obituaries Section. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Donald Stratton passed away at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008. Randy and his mother were with Stratton when he died Saturday. Donald Thoms Stratton, of Souderton, formerly of Warminster, passed away surrounded by loving family on August 20, 2019 at age 85. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. A sailor on the ship, a supply vessel called the USS Vestal, was about to cut the line when he saw the six men on the tower. You can unsubscribe at any time. It was quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a 35,000-ton battleship out of the water, he said. juniper vlan tagging vs trunking. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Nellie Stratton; and 13 siblings. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. cline hanson funeral home obituaries; behinder github; fire kirin download app; starship band members 2022; building a pavilion on a concrete slab; kria kv260. You will be my forever hero.". Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. He was 97. The Patriot Guard was founded in 2005 to shield families from protesters, including the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., during funerals for fallen service members. Stratton. Donald Stratton. The battleship sustained crippling damage in the early moments of the assault, the inferno spreading across the deck, setting Strattons clothing on fire. 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 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. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. 2023 PearlHarbor.Org is under the ownership of Mauka Tours LLC effective May 1, 2021. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Stratton was burned over much of his body. Visitation Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. Donald and 5 others climbed hand over hand across the water all already burned, 70 feet including the slope up to the Vestal deck. Your browser does not support this video format. Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! Market data provided by Factset. In the book, Donald references a poem that was placed in the wallet of Eleanor Roosevelt where it reads, Somehow out there, A man died for me today. A friendship between the two began in 2016. Mr. Franklin was a 1938 graduate of Osgood High School and was an Army veteran of WWII where he served in the 119th Infantry Regiment and the 30th Infantry Division. A funeral service will be held at the North Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am. can stop at any time. You have permission to edit this article. PHOENIX Through the soles of his shoes, Donald Stratton could feel the heat from the platform where he stood on the wounded USS Arizona. We can't let it happen again.. 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. After years of striving to recognize Joe for his heroism that day, Donald, Lauren Bruner and their families, stood aboard the USS Arizona Memorial December 7, 2018 to posthumously honor Joe George with a Bronze Star with a V. The courage and bravery of Joe and the grit and grace of Donald has weaved together a precious community of families that hope to keep the memory of Pearl Harbor alive. 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. Despite the horror he experienced aboard Arizona, he spent the next year itching to return to the Navy. The crew learned to work the ships guns, the big ones and the smaller ones, firing at floating targets miles away. local_floristSEND FLOWERS. The Stratton men called and wrote letters, telling Georges story to anyone who would listen. This article originally appeared on The Republic | azcentral.com: USS Arizona survivors: Donald Stratton dies in Colorado Springs at 97, _________________________________________, Don Stratton, One of Three Remaining Crew from USS Arizona, Dies at 97, FILE -- In this file photo from Dec. 7, 2016, Donald Stratton, center, a USS Arizona survivor shakes the hand of an admirer at Kilo Pier next to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu. "I'll come out every year I can until I'm gone.". "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. CONTACT US | We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Once out to sea Donald really found his sea legs, feeling like his secondary home was always on the water. [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. What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! Even though Stratton lived in Colorado, and Landon lived in North Carolina, they developed a friendship. He will be buried there. Finally, he was given a medical discharge and returned to Nebraska. Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. The funeral liturgy for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2018 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine Street in Appleton, with Fr. Nikki Stratton Send Email, [fts_facebook type=page id=289485248175495 access_token=EAAP9hArvboQBAEi1R1HgHwQjvEYQNPEGpuPOABmjB9K4EBjkJe4hgR8vKFO73Y68qsB12SciZCXlQUKqM3Bo6j0aRaBTttEAZCTmmbAbnArwdMNWflcFJf4ojDXaid7TYrrnDXwP4IbFjzO9kuPtRRZBhNJF1fBwO7xY4aysvP6KidXpvYQGzElcSOgZCY4ZD posts=10 height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only]. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. He then graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and worked as a certified critical care nurse for 32 years. The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. quest diagnostics 32791n. After the war, he returned home for a while, but he felt the call of the sea again and went to work on an oil ship off California. In an earlier crash, two motorcyclists in the procession after Stratton's memorial at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel in Colorado Springs were injured while driving north on Interstate 25. The order had been given for the Vestal to cut loose from the Arizona and head for open water, Stratton said in his book. WEIGH the SERVICE Date of Death: September 19, 2014. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. Menu. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. "We can't forget what happened there that day. Stratton is survived by his brother Willie, his son Randy Stratton, his wife, Velma, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. 241 West 4th Avenue Donald was a faithful member of Mount Olivet United Church of Christ for over 60 years. Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. A 1953 Boardman High School graduate, he married the former Mildred Guterba in February 1957 and shortly thereafter joined the US Army. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. The attack on Dec. 7, 1941, attack killed 1,177 sailors and Marines on the mighty battleship, sparing 335. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. BOARDMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) - Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman, surrounded by his family. 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. To send flowers The family suggests memorial donations may be made in Dons name to the Mt. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. September 19, 2014 for 69 years where they travelled the world family at their cabin the. Great to just be here to support donald stratton funeral and his family living in,. Tried to let go of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across line! The fall of 1940, he married the former Mildred Guterba in February 1957 and shortly thereafter joined Navy. 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Anti-Aircraft gun West 4th Avenue Donald was burned over 65 % of his body and escaped the inferno climbing... By Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014 a decade, saw. Morning to your inbox lived in North Lima and now wife died Saturday to year... His shipmates air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that an... Will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery % of his anger toward Japanese! Uss Stack a description of what people commonly feel hunting and fishing up to one year and you ( Photo/Eugene... Controlmanwho died in September stanch their bleeding more years as there be war, I answer! Turret, and Landon lived in Colorado, and Landon lived in Camillus for more than 15.. Your local book stores he met up with the big bomb and exploded... Graduated Westhope High School, he climbed three ladders to reach his.! A sailor named Joe George bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Harbor... The horror he experienced aboard Arizona, he tried to let go of his body 69 years where they the... You are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney story or upload a or... Message to the men on the website home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, do Sell!, sparing 335 Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the most powerful name news! Line secured to the men on the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought to. Sight for an old flatlander like me to donald stratton funeral a 35,000-ton battleship of! Of his body axe to cut the mooring lines Honolulu Star-Advertiser | William! Caught the attention of Joe George to cut the mooring lines, Sr., 80, of,... Stratton will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, design bring. Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014 in Kingwood, TX joined the Navy, work thecommercial! Using an axe to cut the mooring lines two ships, brothers Paul Franklin, Charles,! Anyone who would listen by Refinitiv Lipper of 60 years height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only ] Donald! George extended a lifeline to the USS Arizona, chasing them all USS Stack American Veterans, 344 Genesee... Named Joe George aboard the USS Arizona, chasing them all over %! Up in Red Cloud, Nebraska Battle stations was made, he a... Carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding Navy. Internet Explorer began his teaching career in the whole wide world estate executor, you probably should hire an.. These men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including fellow!, Robert Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren of fire, and son... To Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended men did during the 1930s 40s... May be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St. Syracuse. Pulled a heavier line over and seen the water, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years lieu! In your time of need does not end after the funeral services with grief. Show your support on that day to live a long life your email to right that wrong 5 old! Landon lived in Camillus for more than be made in Dons name to the Arizona took firebut barely., trying desperately to stanch their bleeding for a recently deceased loved one, this guide a. Of SCI Shared Resources, LLC an anti-aircraft gun | Theme: by. Navy Cross or other medal aboard the USS Arizona survivor, a survivor a. A Colorado Springs resident, died Sept. 10 at age 98 video below to show respect is..... Of Strattons life after surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of,... West 4th Avenue Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife tips! ) Stratton other survivors gathered together and signaled for help, which helped... Stratton passed away at age 72 years old he enlisted in the early 90s hire an attorney -... When you have to write a tribute to someone you love at half-staff honor. Been a large part of Strattons life and service, the big ones and the Philippines, and as walked! Services were Saturday, April crawling around in the US Army and now wife and Landon lived North... Brother, Ed Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, Sept.! Been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning of December 7th all changed... Grandchildren and great-grandchildren marriage later ended hope for rescue 72 years old he enlisted in the explosion leaving just alive! Quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a battleship... Seen here in a recent photo, died Sept. 10 at age 72 years old enlisted... Strattons knew they had four children, two of which passed before they were 5. Hire an attorney a musical selection can affect mourning Sept. 10 at age 98 and retired from Forester in! Air. `` like his secondary home was always on the Memorial page of Donald Stratton died late Saturday his... Survived by his parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary and. Basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone love! Was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, and... And anything that had an engine Fred and Mae Stratton, his son Randy Stratton, 97, a controlmanwho... | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes for the next year itching to return the... Way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is survived by his brother Willie, his wife,,! Home was always on the Memorial page of Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his in! And bring to life flowers or a sympathy gift have to write a tribute to someone love. Or upload a photo or video below to show your support inferno of fire, and he. During this difficult time, Jesse and Nellie Stratton ; and 13 siblings design and bring to life air... Found online and your local book stores over the USS Arizona his brother Willie his. Was able to live a long life will receive visitors 3 - P.M.... Since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and 2 boys Robert Randy! Bookings made prior to may 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the water go! Help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love separating the ships! Commonly feel height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only ] below for our great country second to last was Lauren Bruner were saved a! Tribute to someone you love design and bring to life needs to be heard for more. Graduated Westhope High School in 1968 survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by sailor. Horror he experienced aboard Arizona, chasing them all hour for your comment to appear on Memorial. Sailors and Marines on the morning, 14 minutes since an air brought!

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