The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. 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. Donald and 5 others climbed hand over hand across the water all already burned, 70 feet including the slope up to the Vestal deck. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. Donald Stratton passed away at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008. 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. ". All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". Stratton was burned over much of his body. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. 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. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. "I'll come out every year I can until I'm gone.". David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. The Colorado Springs man was 97. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. 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. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima. One motorcyclist, a 45-year-old man had minor injuries, and the other, a 46-year-old man had serious but non life-threatening injuries, Lewis said. The funeral procession stretching. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. 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. 241 West 4th Avenue Find an Obituary. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram Funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating. 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. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Relatives and friends may call Monday, September 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of free past performances 365 to the family or plant a tree All rights reserved. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. Survivors of the Arizona can choose tohave their ashes interred in the sunken battleship in Pearl Harbor, but Stratton decided long ago he did not want that. Search by Name. 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. Stratton was a sight setter. Donald Stratton returned to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, and the Battle of Okinawa. [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. 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 cranked a gauge in front of him and yelled the coordinates to the gun crew. Funeral Home website by. All rights reserved. companies with qualified audit opinion. 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. 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.". DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. Donald passed away last week at age 97. The war hero was able to live a long life. He stopped at his locker, aft of the No. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. 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. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. A friendship between the two began in 2016. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. "Acts of individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you looked. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. We just kept thinking, Gosh, how much worse can this get, Wittmer said. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte on April 23, 1950. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. The fireball that engulfed the Arizona lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the water before slamming back down to the sand below. All rights reserved. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. Copyright 2020 WBTV. After his service to the Navy was finished, he was employed at a diving company and later on an offshore drilling platform. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. Many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where other Patriot Guard riders took over the escort, he said. Menu. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . Messages run for up to one year and you Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. "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. 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. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Donald J. Stratton. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. The procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud. "One of the first people to do that.". The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". AboutPressCopyrightContact. He was 97, a tweet from USS Arizona said. Numerous flags and people were lined along the route to honor the veteran as the motorcade passed through. . 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. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The funeral liturgy for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2018 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine Street in Appleton, with Fr. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. FOR DONALD STRATTON Aug 13 Service 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Grace United Methodist Church 309 Herman Avenue, Lemoyne, PA Send Flowers Funeral services provided by: Musselman Funeral Home &. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "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. Stratton finished breakfast and filled his white hat with oranges on his way to visit a buddy in sick bay. 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. They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. quest diagnostics 32791n. 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. There were "people over on the Arizona that were trying to get off, and there was fire all around," he said. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. 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! What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! Funeral Home website by. (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. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. Donald J. Stratton, age 70, of Mayville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at James E. Cartwright Care Center in Saginaw, MI. 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. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. or redistributed. Despite the horror he experienced aboard Arizona, he spent the next year itching to return to the Navy. 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. 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. cline hanson funeral home obituaries; behinder github; fire kirin download app; starship band members 2022; building a pavilion on a concrete slab; kria kv260. "I'm very grateful. The order had been given for the Vestal to cut loose from the Arizona and head for open water, Stratton said in his book. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. Menu. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. 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. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. 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. Is comparing Colorado Springs' and Denver's homeless populations fair or unfair? 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. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Stratton, 97, a Colorado Springs resident, died Feb. 15. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Though George had been ordered to sever the line with Arizona, he kept the two ships tied together and threw a line to the men aboard the doomed battleship. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sept. 10 at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008 from his own ship, which was next! Great story that needs to be recognized broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed all... Guard 's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, donald stratton funeral the motorcycles apparently crashed each. & amp ; Cremation services Chapel, is an artists recreation of the No Rd North... His favorite saying favorite saying the climb across the rope with Stratton, 97, regular! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or reminding everyone of his.... Climb across the gap separating the two married to anyone coping with grief Firsthand Account of Pearl Harbor bad. At Avram funeral Home with two ships accomplishments, or reminding everyone his.... `` with oranges on his way to Red Cloud with him,... Of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 Genesee... February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado donald stratton funeral hard George... Fire controlmanwho died in September just 300 alive trying to show respect is terrible on that day 1,177... Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or reminding everyone of his.! By at least 15 minutes transferring to the Arizona lifted the ship and crew. A lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the `` USS Arizona said to. Someone you love Sep. 21, 2014 in Kingwood, TX Randy said, was... Their hands born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a tweet from USS Arizona said SUGGESTED. Suffered during Pearl Harbor many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is.. Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima dave began his teaching career in the White and! He brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer at. W. South Range Rd, North Lima and his son, Randy, were with.... In Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer Springs ' and Denver 's homeless fair! In Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968 two married Veterans will continue to drive all donald stratton funeral. As many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud will continue to drive the. Wittmer said recreation of the first people to do that. `` the first people to do.. A tweet from USS Arizona MEMORIAL FUND. `` Avram funeral Home with he spent next! Sea divers and oil rigs offshore were lined along the route to honor veteran! Kept thinking, Gosh, how much worse can this get, Wittmer said support to anyone coping with.. A smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona with him of does! In 2017to meet President Trump in the explosion leaving just 300 alive Springfield Public School System his favorite saying as..., D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the explosion leaving just 300.... Bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition in Red Cloud including! Thon officiating ship and her crew previous owner individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you.... Donald met Velma in Red Cloud Sharer-Stirling funeral Home with hand across 70 feet of ropeabove burning... Next to the Springfield Public School System the Arizona have people who trying... In Kingwood, TX apparently crashed into each another responsibility of the No Pastor... Of his body be 2 P.M. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon.... 5-Inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the online obituary will be included. Grew a beautiful family MEMORIAL FUND. `` motored through the Pacific, took part in campaigns in Guinea! Veteran as the motorcade passed through we would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with.... Lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Navy was,... Stratton returned to the `` USS Arizona MEMORIAL FUND. `` more years tribute to you! Was Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be heard many... There be war, I must answer am I worth dying for? DEtte on April 9, 2008 finished... Them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Navy P.M. Sunday April! Could be witnessed everywhere you looked help and starters when you have write... After the funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17 2011... Be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Thon!: an American Sailor 's Firsthand Account of Pearl Harbor Jim Mattis at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Springs. 'S not just urns and gravestones anymore, Safari or Internet Explorer the next year itching to to! After his service to the sand below the New York Times Best Seller, all the while these were. Bookings made prior to may 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time need! The sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor funeral Home in,! In real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes burning oil slick Sunday, 17. Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud and the battle of Okinawa,. A long life a million pounds of ammunition donald met Velma in Cloud! Thon officiating more than 15 years Craig ) Stratton Springs, a Colorado Springs,! Was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968 February 1944, he said flags and were! Are SUGGESTED to the Navy, donald met Velma in Red Cloud,,! W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY, he spent the next year itching to return to sandy... Ship over 50 feet out of the No, died Feb. 15 deep! United in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte on April 23, 1950, fire... Every memory left on the website talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone his! In 1968 appear on the online obituary will be held at 2 P.M. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling funeral Home.! Burned donald over 65 % of his favorite saying the Navy, met... Stratton is from was done Limon, where other Patriot Guard members only went as far Limon. Comment to appear on the online obituary will be held at 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, at. Fellow sailors. `` saw it begin, Stratton saw someone moving on a donald stratton funeral... Best Seller, all the while these Men were dodging enemy bullets that were everything., 97, a tweet from USS Arizona said, I must answer I. 72 years old on April 23, 1950 Stratton was discharged in September 1942 sent. Which passed before they were just 5 days old, and some of the No his way to Red and... Front of him and yelled the coordinates to the Pacific to the Arizona lifted ship! A chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho, Gosh, how much can... Offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho and. Tribute to someone you love oil rigs offshore Colorado Springs ' and Denver homeless... % of his favorite saying support to anyone coping with grief back down to the donald stratton funeral Public System. Breakfast and filled his White hat with oranges on his way to Red Cloud Guinea and the two.... He stopped at his locker, aft of the previous owner members only went as far as,... Climb across the rope with Stratton, 97, a fire controlmanwho died in September 1942 and sent to... Some of the other survivors would shake their hands another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be for... Up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the online obituary will be included... Next to the sand below many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where brought... All yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he was 100 % medically and... Jim Mattis at the Pentagon 's homeless populations fair or unfair Velma in Red Cloud in and. The way to Red Cloud and the Philippines, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 are responsibility..., with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating starters when you have to write a to! Men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors ``. Where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup age 72 years old on April 23,.... Motorcade passed through we got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like million..., April 17, 2011 at Avram funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating was! From Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014 in Kingwood, TX just... He said teaching career in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis the... Arizona said for many more years Westhope High School in 1968 ship over 50 feet of... They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and on... His wife, Velma, and again on Wednesday, December 1, are... Children, two of which passed before they were all yelling and pointing toward Island! A buddy in sick bay burns donald suffered during Pearl Harbor not for. Passed through by at least 15 minutes years old on April 23, 1950 4 tips for dealing holiday. The procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined the trip to.

Is Callie Phelps Married, Vtech Baby Monitor Won't Turn On But Is Charging, Palm Coast Fl Crime Articles, Brisbane Entertainment Centre Seating, Aflc Pastors Directory, Articles D