Billy Stratton

Billy Lee Stratton, 85 of Springfield passed away at 11:47 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2009 in St. John's Hospital.

Billy was born March 30, 1924 in Springfield, Missouri to Sherman Victor and Dessie Eulamay (House) Stratton. He was a mail clerk for the U.S. Postal Service for 43 years. He served in the U.S. Army Aircorp and received the Purple Heart. Billy was a Champion Archer, was a lover of all animals, plants and antiques. He was a member of the African Violet Club.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mildred Mae Stratton, five siblings and his daughter, Judith Stratton. He is survived by eight children, Gary (Kathleen), Steve (Ella), Bill (Debby), Mark (Gay) and Greg (Whit Ross) Stratton, Rebecca Choate (Mike), Jennifer Williams (Mark) and Mary Stratton (Christy Johnson); 13 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his brother, Clifford Stratton; his dog, Gypsy; and a special longtime friend, Marvin Spragg.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2009 in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home 500 E. Walnut Street. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton Springfield, MO 65803. Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.