Randy Stratton

Mr. Randy Don Stratton, was born July 12, 1954 in Red Cloud, NE to Donald G. and Velma Stratton. He was united in holy matrimony to Kathleen Ann on August 18, 1979. The couple were married for 43 years where they moved from Santa Barbara, CA to Colorado Springs and Castle Rock, CO following their daughters and grandchildren. Randy loved God, his family, coaching basketball and preserving history and the memory of his father. He quietly departed this life Thursday, June 8th, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Velma, sisters Gypsy Dawn and Roxanne Jo and brother Robert. He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Jessika Caldwell (Tony), Nikki (fiancé Mike) and grandchildren Emersyn, Bryce and Boden Caldwell. Randy retired from the United States Post Office following 41 years of work, but his passion was basketball, coaching his daughters and the many young women from Colorado Springs. He was well respected in the women's basketball coaching community (but maybe disliked by the officials) and he helped cultivate relationships with college coaches so that his athletes would have a chance to achieve a dream. His club, the Colorado Springs Hoopsters, saw many young women take the next step in their playing career with a college scholarship. Randy had an uncanny ability to see greatness in the girls he coached. He coached with intensity, passion and a love for the girls and for the game. Randy loved his father, Donald G. Stratton, a USS Arizona Survivor, and made it his mission to protect the legacy of the men of the Arizona. He worked alongside his daughter Nikki to bring honor and recognition to Joe George, the hero that saved Donald and six other men. Randy also continued to fight to help recognize the USS Arizona sailors who remain unidentified in hopes to restore them back to their families. When he became a Papa, probably his favorite title, he rarely missed a game or event. He proudly sat in the bleachers and on sidelines, cheering on his grandkids with maybe an occasional jab to the official just because. He deeply loved his grandkids and had a unique bond with each one. And because he was a kid at heart, he could often be found starting up a friendly neighborhood water fight with anyone who would join. Mr. Randy was always the favorite "kid" in the neighborhood. Randy loved his family fiercely, didn't understand the word no, and never took life too seriously. His booming voice, contagious laugh, classic Chevy blue trucks, black sweats and signature fu-man-chu were all unmistakably Randy. The Stratton family will hold a celebration of life service, June 23, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs. There will be a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Randy Stratton Memorial Fund through the Pacific Historic Parks Service and the USS Arizona Memorial. https://www.pacifichistoricparks.org/