In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. 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. Family and friends are invited to visitwww.seederly-mongandbeck.comto sign the guestbook or send private condolences. He will be sadly missed by his close friend and partner Peggy Klepic. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. 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. Donalds life was chronicled in the book All the Gallant Men which can be found online and your local book stores. Sign up for service and obituary updates. The bow sagged. Stratton received burns over 65% of his body. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. 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. can stop at any time. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". "The flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. 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. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. The war still raged in the Pacific. "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. All Rights Reserved. The procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud. He is now part of our national memory.". Go read his book, know the sacrifices they made for you. They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. As the WWII B-25 circled around the funeral, on the ground, family and friends spoke, wearing Hawaiian shirts and our nation's colors. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. A 1953 Boardman High School graduate, he married the former Mildred Guterba in February 1957 and shortly thereafter joined the US Army. A magnifying glass. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. 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. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. You will be my forever hero.". Helping USS Arizona Survivors and their Families. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. Ways to honor Donald Stratton's life and legacy. Family flowers only, donations, if desired may be given for Stroke Association, by retiring . He would have died on that platform.. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. To send flowers One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene - Mt. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". Stratton DONALD G. STRATTON July 14, 1922 February 15, 2020 Mr. Donald G. Stratton, was born July 14, 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. He was married to Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended. Enter Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. There were "people over on the Arizona that were trying to get off, and there was fire all around," he said. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. In his dining room in Colorado Springs, he kept a replica of a diving helmet, the kind divers on his crew used. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs,. 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. Dave began his. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Even though Stratton lived in Colorado, and Landon lived in North Carolina, they developed a friendship. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. Donald Gene Stratton, 84 of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". The motorcycle landed in the median. 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. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. 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. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. 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. 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. 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. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions. Howard Stratton of Alliance. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. can stop at any time. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. It's just our way of saying goodbye," Bill Klaers said. Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of You can unsubscribe at any time. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Stratton survived the attack on Pearl Harbor with courage, the . 2023 Williams Funeral Homes. Stratton was a sight setter. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. We found his family living in Arkansas, but Joe passed in the early 90s. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. 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.) Stratton died of natural causesin Colorado Springs, Colo., his family said. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 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. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. "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. 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. They moved back to California briefly and then settled in Colorado Springs. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. to the family or plant a tree Donald J. Stratton. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. Hundreds honor Donald Stratton on ground, in air, and on motorcycle for funeral, Persons of interest identified after 2 juveniles shot and killed in Falcon, New details released following shootout with suspect and El Paso County deputies near Colorado Springs, Parent speaks out against Woodland Park 6th grade changes, WATCH - Penrose Library reopened, deemed safe following further testing for meth residue. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. All rights reserved. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Donald passed away last week at age 97. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Nellie Stratton; and 13 siblings. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. No services are scheduled at this time. 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). But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. The crew learned to work the ships guns, the big ones and the smaller ones, firing at floating targets miles away. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. Stratton. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. He was 97. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. He was born November 17, 1932 in Neosho, Missouri to Elbert Stratton and Olga Sanders-Stratton. Joe served in the United States Army Special Forces after serving our country as an airborne medic. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. 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 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. Following the service, the Colorado Springs Police Department escorted the family and the casket. 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. Copyright 2020 WBTV. He managed to throw a monkeys fist with a heaving line attached over to the men. "I threw a line over.". The average age of a Stratton family member is 72. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. 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. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! 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. Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. If desired, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. Market data provided by Factset. Menu. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. 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? In Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer his crew used 10:00 am until the time of need not! Procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined US... 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