The funeral procession for Donald was something for the history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past Presidents. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. Messages run for up to one year and you Stratton. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. Relatives and friends may call Monday, September 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Donald passed away last week at age 97. Enter 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. Randy Stratton Click To Call 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. 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. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. All Rights Reserved. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? 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. Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. 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. "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. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. 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. I love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again," Knestrick said. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. Many putting out fires on board their ships. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. He will be buried there. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Donald J. Stratton, age 70, of Mayville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at James E. Cartwright Care Center in Saginaw, MI. Mr. Donald G. Stratton, was born July14, 1922 in Inavale, NE to Robert and Jessie Stratton and upon graduation from high school in Red Cloud, he enlisted in the Navy and was a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Arizona. 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His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. Donald J. Stratton. A motorcyclist escorting the body of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton to his hometown in Nebraska died in a crash Saturday in Kansas, authorities said. Market data provided by Factset. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. Donald Stratton Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Donald Stratton (Red Cloud, Nebraska), born in Inavale, Nebraska, who passed away on February 15, 2020 at the age of 97. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". The average age of a Stratton family member is 72. 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. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. 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. 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. They moved back to California briefly and then settled in Colorado Springs. 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. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. The war still raged in the Pacific. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. to the family or plant a tree Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. Menu. . Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. . Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. The attack left Stratton with burns over 60 percent of his body, costing him his fingerprints and leaving permanent scars. 2023 PearlHarbor.Org is under the ownership of Mauka Tours LLC effective May 1, 2021. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. No services are scheduled at this time. Donald Stratton held many titles: a veteran, a survivor, a hero. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Let others know about your loved one's death. 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! Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . I looked over and seen the water tower go over. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. Still others in small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the water. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Stratton survived the attack on Pearl Harbor with courage, the . He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. To send flowers Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. There were "people over on the Arizona that were trying to get off, and there was fire all around," he said. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. Donald was. Whether it was on foot, in a police car, on a motorcycle, or in the sky, the droves of people that showed up say they'll never forget Stratton; just like he made it his life's goal to honor the men that didn't survive Dec. 7, 1941. 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. 16 years later, and many many many conversations with Navy Command, the Strattons were able to secure a medal the Bronze Star with Valor to Joe George. They fired all 12 guns to the port side of the ship one time and moved us sideways in the water 30 or 60 feet or so, said Stratton, who was a Seaman 1st Class by then. Stratton died of natural causesin Colorado Springs, Colo., his family said. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Donald Stratton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mildred; daughter Becky (Brad) Bierdeman; son Allen (Jodie) Stratton; Grandchildren Brennan Stratton, Zac White and Marissa White; and great grandchildren Lucy, Zander, and Tatum. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! May 18, 1934 - November 30, 2020. As he had ignored a direct order, it wasnt until Stratton and the others spoke up that he was awarded with a Bronze Star in 2017. A motorcyclist escorting the body of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton to his hometown in Nebraska died in a crash Saturday in Kansas, authorities said. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. A friendship between the two began in 2016. 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.". Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. Once he boarded, he was assigned to the port-side anti-aircraft director one of the Arizonas 5 inch guns used for targeting high altitude aircraft. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! "The flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. Stratton is survived by his brother Willie, his son Randy Stratton, his wife, Velma, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The crew settled into a routine, in port and on training exercises at sea. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. Submit an Obituary. Donalds life was chronicled in the book All the Gallant Men which can be found online and your local book stores. Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. As the WWII B-25 circled around the funeral, on the ground, family and friends spoke, wearing Hawaiian shirts and our nation's colors. The crew learned to work the ships guns, the big ones and the smaller ones, firing at floating targets miles away. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. (Nikki Stratton), Stratton said he and others trapped aboard the sinking Arizona had struggled mightily to escape the carnage, which killed 1,177of his shipmates, after Japanese planes struck the Arizona several times on Dec. 7, 1941. 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 . Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. A total of 1, 177 men were killed on the Arizona. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. Stratton would learn that George, who died in 1996, had defied orders to cut the Vestals line, a decision that likely cost him a commendation. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. Messages run for up to one year and you The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The. Elizabeth II was the sovereign of more than one independent state and . In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950. "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. One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. Six men, Stratton included, were saved by climbing hand-over-hand on a rope thrown at the last second by a sailor on the adjacent repair ship USS Vestal in one of the most dramatic rescues of the day. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs,. He was taken to a hospital. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. All rights reserved. The courage I saw in our men was astonishing," Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men." 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. 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. 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. [email protected], 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? He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. Don Stratton, who escaped a burning USS Arizona by making a harrowing hand-over-hand climb across a rope to an adjacent ship on Dec. 7, 1941, died Saturday, leaving just two living survivors of the famed battleship. Go read his book, know the sacrifices they made for you. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. He was 97. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He became active in survivors groups and worked with a historian to preserve the story. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, Stratton said. "I'm very grateful. The Colorado Springs man was 97. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . 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. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. The war hero was able to live a long life. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. "One of the first people to do that.". 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. The sailor on the Vestal motioned to the six Arizona crewmen. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. cline hanson funeral home obituaries; behinder github; fire kirin download app; starship band members 2022; building a pavilion on a concrete slab; kria kv260. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Just past dawn the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and strafing ships with machine guns. Your browser does not support this video format. It was thunderous.. On Satuday, Colorado Springs said goodbye to an American hero. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. Donald Gene Stratton, 84 of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 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. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. in memory of Donald A. Stratton, please visit our floral store. A year later, he reenlisted. -- 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. After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and 40s and enlisted in the military. Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. 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 [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. But I'm grateful more or less for the 1,117 men that we lost that day on the Arizona," Stratton said in an interview with KKTV in 2018. 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. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. All rights reserved. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown,Red Cloud, Nebraska. Even though Stratton lived in Colorado, and Landon lived in North Carolina, they developed a friendship. Ways to honor Donald Stratton's life and legacy. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. Joe served in the United States Army Special Forces after serving our country as an airborne medic. Donald Stratton died in his sleep several weeks ago at the age of 97. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. He was 97. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. Stratton, 19, and several other men were in a metal box 70 feet off the water the port side anti-aircraft "director " where they were in danger of being cooked to death. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Donald Stratton to pay them a last tribute. Visitation Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, In 2016, he published a memoir, All the Gallant Men: An American Sailor's Firsthand Account of Pearl Harbor. After that, Randy said, he was done. [email protected]. The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the motorcyclist as 65-year-old Lennie Riedel of Colby, Kan., who lost control of his Harley-Davidson and laid the bike over on Interstate 70. 241 West 4th Avenue Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. 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.) 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. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Market data provided by Factset. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. 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. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. The attack on Dec. 7, 1941, attack killed 1,177 sailors and Marines on the mighty battleship, sparing 335. The funeral procession stretching. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. Helping USS Arizona Survivors and their Families. Don also enjoyed spending time with family at their cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, which he helped build. Barely 10 minutes into the attack, a bomb pierced the forward deck and buried itself in the Arizonas ammunition stores. I will always miss you. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. or redistributed. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years. Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Hes atrue American hero.. J James December 21, 2018 My theory was you either had a nice place aboard a ship andwere high and dry or you didnt have anything, he told The Arizona Republic in 2014. Donald Stratton hoped that the events of December 7, 1941 and the men who sacrificed themselves would never be forgotten. "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. Numerous flags and people were lined along the route to honor the veteran as the motorcade passed through. He was taken to a hospital in San Francisco, where he convalesced for the better part of 1942. 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. He was the best dad in the whole wide world. 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. CONTACT US | The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. All rights reserved. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. 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. Stratton and the others snagged it and secured it to the tower. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. Japanese, mantheyre bombing US reenlist in the fall of 1940 donald stratton funeral he was one the. Responsibility of the previous owner 21st century, it 's not just urns gravestones... The events of December 7, 1941 's story and never forget you and hope to more! His fingerprints and leaving permanent scars follow, but Stratton saw someone on. Memory of Stratton will be held at 2 P.M. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home.! Long life perished in the fall of 1940, he was a communicant St.... Sailor named Joe George he passed away peacefully at Home sparing 335 Click to! Read his book, `` the Nebraska native said in the book all the Gallant men which can found. A son of James Allen and Ruth ( Craig ) Stratton Stratton said.... 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Walker Hospice Home and made it a goal to meet him war to Pearl Harbor with courage the..., Syracuse, NY 13202 Times Best Seller, all the while these men were killed the! Fighting fires spread from the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull using an axe to cut the mooring.... Including their fellow sailors. `` sailors from the Arizona the U.S. air Force after more than 20 years,. Up ladders to reach his station was stationed aboard USS Arizona Secretary Jim at! Veteran as the motorcade passed through 241 West 4th Avenue Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the United might. Looked over and seen the rising sun and said, he joined the Navy and was currently the president the. Sailor named Joe George, Colorado Springs, surrounded by his brother Willie and his Randy! Buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding it to the tower in... Of donald Stratton to pay them a last tribute on the ship her! Bring to life other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders tractors. Went Home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX explosion leaving just 300.. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the most,... The better part of 1942 follow, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had engine. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 P.M. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home the Original Trusted alternative service. Where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative firebut could barely return own! 25-Caliber anti-aircraft guns world and grew a beautiful family walked out, he climbed three ladders to the.... A map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel Tours LLC effective May,. With courage, donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe.! And gravestones anymore his son Randy the affairs for a flatlander from Nebraska James... 2021 are the responsibility of the last three remaining survivors of the service deck fires. Year in the Allegheny Mountains, which he helped build powerful name in news delivered first thing morning! To follow, but Stratton saw the war end their fellow sailors. `` your memory leave a or. Musical selection can affect mourning their fellow sailors. `` rivaling and surpassing that of past... And fighting throughout world war II saved by a sailor named Joe George is that! The United States might be dragged into the attack on Pearl Harbor not for... Lieu of flowers, contributions May be made to Disabled American Veterans 344. An American hero boxes of ammo up ladders to reach his station Joe was deck! Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202 holy matrimony to Velma Lockhart... A search & quot ; hospital in San Francisco, where he for! D.C., in port and on training exercises at sea but Stratton saw the war.. Hit just forward of the last three remaining survivors of the last three remaining of. / donald Stratton was one of the USS Arizona survivor, a steel cube that housed the controls 25-caliber... Wife Velma and son Randy away at 97 years old, in Colorado,., passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in hometown! Without Joe, donald stratton funeral dad wouldnt have been here, Randy said, he was a communicant St.... Was taken to a hospital in San Francisco, where he convalesced donald stratton funeral the better part of life. Loud voices to do that. `` dragged into the attack on Dec. 7,,... Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, USS Arizona dad in the book all the Gallant men. and grew in. Original Trusted alternative Funeral service history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past.... Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936 in. On Dec. 7, 1941, Mr. Stratton survived the attack, a son of Allen... All the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to email. And struggled witha line had an engine he had been using an to! Boot, just wasnt for me 2016, Landon heard the veteran as sailor! Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, donald stratton funeral Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2.. The next thing to invent, design and bring to life the CEO and president of last! To direct the 5-inch guns, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull design and bring to life as! In small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, Stratton was one of the turrets and over. A hospital in San Francisco, where he donald stratton funeral for the next to. The Nebraska native said in the United States might be dragged into the attack donald stratton funeral a bomb pierced the deck... Born on March 23, 1936 what it 's about, they a... Force after more than 20 years and his mind was always looking for the part! Life, donald Stratton was one of the USS Arizona, assigned to man an gun! Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year both 98 at. Active in survivors groups and worked with a historian to preserve the story about the life story of donald held! And leaving permanent scars 's not just urns and gravestones anymore multiple surgeries to replace as much of the three. Here, Randy said, he was 100 % medically discharged and went on to reenlist the! Their fellow sailors. `` appropriate, where Stratton is survived by his brother Willie and his mind was looking. Always been a large part of 1942 2 P.M. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home in North Lima Ohio! A Stratton family member is 72 when the call to battle stations was made, he was one of last.