CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. Helping USS Arizona Survivors and their Families. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. 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. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. He would have died on that platform.. 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! He managed to throw a monkeys fist with a heaving line attached over to the men. can stop at any time. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. New downtown Colorado Springs transit center plans updated, councilman calls it a 'boondoggle', Colorado Springs high school student arrested after allegedly bringing loaded gun to school. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs,. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Stratton. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. Messages run for up to one year and you "OnceI made a dive in a two-man submarine, down in over 1,200 feet of water off Santa Barbara coast," he said. 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. Search by Name. companies with qualified audit opinion. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. His eyes met Strattons. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. He was 97. Many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where other Patriot Guard riders took over the escort, he said. 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. "We have to bury Lauren Bruner so I had to come back, " Conter, sitting in a wheelchair, said shortly after he arrived. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. To send flowers Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. Donald Stratton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. He will be sadly missed by his close friend and partner Peggy Klepic. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. free past performances 365 Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. Funeral Home website by. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. The explosion blew apart the forward decks, collapsing turret No. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! Donald Stratton died in his sleep several weeks ago at the age of 97. 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. 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. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. It's just our way of saying goodbye," Bill Klaers said. 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! 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. Stratton was second to go. Stratton and the others snagged it and secured it to the tower. USS Arizona crew member and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton was honored with a memorial service Saturday morning in Colorado Springs. Flint Journal Homepage. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. Following the service, the Colorado Springs Police Department escorted the family and the casket. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. All Rights Reserved. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Donald A. Stratton, 60, of 560 E. Garwood St., died yesterday at 6:30 p.m. in Alliance City hospital following an illness of one week. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. 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 . 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. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. What we were doing is a thing for respect of an American hero, so it was our honor to be there for it, he said. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! All Rights Reserved 2022. 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. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. 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. PHOENIX Through the soles of his shoes, Donald Stratton could feel the heat from the platform where he stood on the wounded USS Arizona. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Stratton died of natural causesin Colorado Springs, Colo., his family said. All rights reserved. Reveille sounded at 5:30 the morning of Dec. 7. We should never forget what these guys did for us, Randy said Sunday from Colorado Springs. 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. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. quest diagnostics 32791n. 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 is survived by his brother Willie, his son Randy Stratton, his wife, Velma, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 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. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. The family also learned he was never honored for his bravery on December 7th. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. They fired the guns, but the bombers were too high. The bow sagged. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Many putting out fires on board their ships. 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. to the family or plant a tree 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. to the family or plant a tree David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. Stratton was burned over much of his body. The motorcycle landed in the median. [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. All rights reserved. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. Though the USS Arizona survivor could have chosen to be cremated and interred with his former shipmates aboard the sunken battleship, he opted to be buried in the state where he was born. Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima. "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. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. 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 the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. 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. 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. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. Donald passed away last week at age 97. He heaved it toward the Arizona. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. A total of 1, 177 men were killed on the Arizona. BOARDMAN Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman surrounded by his family. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Stratton could not. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . Donald was. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. "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. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. A year later, he reenlisted. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Messages run for up to one year and you He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. 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! local_floristSEND FLOWERS. 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 saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. 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