to the family or plant a tree Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. 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. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! It's a different view from above, but the purpose was the same: honoring one of the remaining few from the Greatest Generation. 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. The war hero was able to live a long life. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? Family flowers only, donations, if desired may be given for Stroke Association, by retiring . "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. -- 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. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. Menu. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. "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. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. 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. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. All Rights Reserved. You will be my forever hero.". A friendship between the two began in 2016. Donald R. Doc Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . Helping USS Arizona Survivors and their Families. Legal Statement. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. 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. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 . Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. They moved back to California briefly and then settled in Colorado Springs. He was skilled in mechanics and during his lifetime built two ultralight airplanes in which he modified the engines in both. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs. Stratton and the others snagged it and secured it to the tower. Agawam - Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. The family suggests memorial donations may be made in Dons name to the Mt. "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. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. in memory of Donald A. Stratton, please visit our floral store. In his dining room in Colorado Springs, he kept a replica of a diving helmet, the kind divers on his crew used. He flew both ultralights successfully. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. 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. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. Submit an Obituary. 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. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. We should never forget what these guys did for us, Randy said Sunday from Colorado Springs. briggs and stratton vtwin throttle linkage diagram; patristocrat cipher tips; xpenology dsm 7 vmware workstation. 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. At first, the Navy wouldn't allow Donald to re-enlist due to his medical discharge, however he proved them wrong by going through boot camp a second time. 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. After his service to the Navy was finished, he was employed at a diving company and later on an offshore drilling platform. Donald Stratton passed away at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". 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. 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. Arizona Final Salute Information 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. Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! You have permission to edit this article. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Nellie Stratton; and 13 siblings. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". "I'll come out every year I can until I'm gone.". Martin Pable, OFM Cap. Velma passed away exactly three months to day Donald was buried as she couldnt be separated from her lifes long love. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. 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. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. local_floristSEND FLOWERS. Donald passed away last week at age 97. 241 West 4th Avenue This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. 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. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Stratton could not. 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. "I'm very grateful. Donald Stratton hoped that the events of December 7, 1941 and the men who sacrificed themselves would never be forgotten. A funeral service will be held at the North Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am. A magnifying glass. 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. 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.) | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Donald Stratton. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. WEIGH the SERVICE Date of Death: September 19, 2014. 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. I looked over and seen the water tower go over. The Stratton men called and wrote letters, telling Georges story to anyone who would listen. "Plus all the others in all the other wars.". In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Now only Lou Conter and Ken Potts remain to continue sharing their memories of the events of December 7, 1941 and the Pearl Harbor attack that launched the United States into World War II. He cranked a gauge in front of him and yelled the coordinates to the gun crew. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. 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. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 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 News. 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. The courage I saw in our men was astonishing," Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men." Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. Find an Obituary. to the family or plant a tree 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. It's just our way of saying goodbye," Bill Klaers said. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. After a lifetime at sea, Stratton will return to his home on the prairie. One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. 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. 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 flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. Still others in small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the water. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. Despite the horror he experienced aboard Arizona, he spent the next year itching to return to the Navy. 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. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Donald was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Stratton; parents, Robert and Ida Stratton; and brother, Robert Stratton Jr. 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 . 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