William A. ""Bill"" Stratton's Obituary
MATTOON, IL - William A. "Bill" Stratton, age 91 of Mattoon and formerly of Charleston passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in Mattoon. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. The Funeral Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the First Christian Church in Mattoon or to the Charleston Carnegie Public Library. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Bill was born on January 14, 1923 in Charleston to the late Marvin Lillard and Clemma Jane (Endsley) Stratton. He married Joyce M. Lee on April 15, 1944 and was anticipating the approaching 70th wedding anniversary celebration with the love of his life. In addition to his wife Joyce, he is survived by their three children, Sharon Love and husband David of Petersburg, Illinois, Gail Hildebrand and husband Tom of Charleston, Gary Stratton and wife Debbie of Dahlgren, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Tara Atchison and husband Kent, Tiffany Verma and husband Mohit, Tamara Full, Rebecca Minor and husband Jason, Delana Parker and husband Wes, Cheryl Sanner and husband Joe, Kip Kubisz, Beth Tidball and husband Chad Ahren, Brooke Tidball and husband Phil Patterson; and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant sister. Bill was a graduate of Charleston High School and Sparks Business College in Shelbyville, Illinois. For many years he and Joyce lived west of Charleston where for a time they operated a Christmas Tree Farm and raised thousands of chickens. Bill also owned and operated the Purina Feed Store located on Jackson Street east of the Charleston Square, was an employee of Young Radiator in Mattoon, and for more than 20 years was Treasurer of the Production Credit Association in Charleston. Bill was a member of First Christian Church in Mattoon and formerly a member of the Unity Chapel United Methodist Church where both he and Joyce taught Sunday School. He enjoyed sporting events and was himself quite the athlete; as a talented softball player Bill was in demand, and was offered employment opportunities in order for companies to recruit him for their team. In his leisure time he enjoyed league bowling, was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan and was an avid reader. To his family Bill was one-of-a-kind! He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose love and support for his family was evident. He was truly a gentleman whose life reflected qualities of generosity and kindness which were extended to all. Bill leaves a wonderful legacy through his loving family. His family and friends will treasure their many memories of special times shared.
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