It was quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a 35,000-ton battleship out of the water, he said. Just past dawn the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and strafing ships with machine guns. Funeral Home website by. "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. 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. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. The fireball that engulfed the Arizona lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the water before slamming back down to the sand below. can stop at any time. He was the best dad in the whole wide world. 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. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! local_floristSEND FLOWERS. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. It's a different view from above, but the purpose was the same: honoring one of the remaining few from the Greatest Generation. I love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again," Knestrick said. Many putting out fires on board their ships. Market data provided by Factset. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. 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. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. The crash between a Harley-Davidson and a Victorious happened north of Castle Rock around 1:30 p.m., Colorado State Trooper Josh Lewis said. All rights reserved. "OnceI made a dive in a two-man submarine, down in over 1,200 feet of water off Santa Barbara coast," he said. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. Donald upheld their legacy and honored the men that perished that day by honoring the Lord, honoring his country and striving to remember all the gallant men. Stratton is survived by his brother Willie, his son Randy Stratton, his wife, Velma, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Relatives and friends may call Monday, September 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. The Secretary of the Navy spoke, as well as Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner. Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima. The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. "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. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. 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. The explosion blew apart the forward decks, collapsing turret No. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. Copyright 2020 WBTV. On Satuday, Colorado Springs said goodbye to an American hero. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me. Receive a notification when services are updated. 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! He was married to Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. Dave began his. 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. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. 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. Randy and his mother were with Stratton when he died Saturday. Donald Stratton passed away at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008. Funeral Home website by. 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. Stratton was burned over much of his body. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. 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. Donald G. Stratton, was born July 14, 1922 in Inavale, Nebraska 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. -- 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. [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. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. Let others know about your loved one's death. Graveside services with full military honors were 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud, Nebraska. 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. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. The bow sagged. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. All rights reserved. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "We can't forget what happened there that day. "Listen, all those men down there on that ship, a thousand of them, they wouldn't do it, and I don't think they'd want me to do it," he said. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. Obituaries Section. 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. 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. To send flowers The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! Find an Obituary. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. 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. Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. 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 burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. You will be my forever hero.". Stratton told his own story many times over the years. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? He will be buried there. Elizabeth II undertook a number of state and official visits over her 70-year reign (1952 to 2022), as well as trips throughout the Commonwealth, making her the most widely travelled head of state in history.She did not require a British passport for travelling overseas, as all British passports were issued in her name. He was born November 17, 1932 in Neosho, Missouri to Elbert Stratton and Olga Sanders-Stratton. His eyes met Strattons. 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. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. Stratton, 97, a Colorado Springs resident, died Feb. 15. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. The. 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 With the Pearl Harbor attack long behind him, Stratton and the others who owed their lives to Joe George began a campaign to have the Vestal crew member honored. They fired the guns, but the bombers were too high. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. 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. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. All rights reserved. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero Funeral Home. "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. . in memory of Donald A. Stratton, please visit our floral store. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. A friendship between the two began in 2016. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. 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. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. To send flowers 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. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. 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 will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. 2023 PearlHarbor.Org is under the ownership of Mauka Tours LLC effective May 1, 2021. 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. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. to the family or plant a tree In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe 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. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. Just over a year later, he found himself in the middle of the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. Services Sunday . 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. Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. The Colorado Springs man was 97. 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. One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. All Rights Reserved. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. 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. He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. Obituary BOARDMAN - Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman surrounded by his family. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Years later, Stratton and his son, Randy, learned that the sailor, a boatswains mate named Joe George, haddefied orders to cut the line to the Arizona and had never been recognized for what he did. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net. 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. He was taken to a hospital in San Francisco, where he convalesced for the better part of 1942. The average age of a Stratton family member is 72. Menu. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. Stratton could not. Joe George saved 6 lives that day, and was never awarded for his heroism until 76 years later. Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. He stopped at his locker, aft of the No. PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. "One of Donald's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona. The crew settled into a routine, in port and on training exercises at sea. AboutPressCopyrightContact. He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. You can make it,'" Stratton recalled. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. He was gifted and talented in being able to design and invent something from scratch. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. 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. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. You have permission to edit this article. Donald J. He was 97. quest diagnostics 32791n. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. Search by Name. 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. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950. "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. Enter You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. 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. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. There were "people over on the Arizona that were trying to get off, and there was fire all around," he said. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. 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. 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. "One of the first people to do that.". 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. 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 saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. And oil rigs offshore convalesced for the better part of 1942 Willie, his son Randy Stratton, visit. 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