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BORN
1929
DIED
2017
Charles STRATTON Obituary
STRATTON, Charles
(Age 87)
COL (USAF, Ret.) Charles "Chuck" Stratton, of Nine Mile Falls, WA passed away on January 10, 2017 after battling a series of illnesses stemming from an earlier battle with prostate cancer.
Chuck was born on May 25th, 1929 to John and Rena (Lockwood) Stratton of Nashville, Tennessee. His family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1943 where he graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1947. Chuck's passion for flying came at an early age when, at age 16, he and his friend Bill McConnell earned flying time in exchange for chopping firewood. After two years at Wayne State University, Chuck took advantage of the U.S. Air Force's Aviation Cadet Program and entered the Air Force in 1951. After graduating from pilot training in May of 1952, Chuck married Ann Vova of Detroit, Michigan and were married for 65 years. In jest, he was often known to say..."Uncle Sam provides everything. I got a commission, pilot's wings, a car, and a wife all on the same day!" He flew F-84 fighter jets at Turner AFB and was later selected for the Air Forces' U-2 Reconnaissance program. In January of 1962 while participating in a night training flight, Chuck's U-2 suddenly pitched upward due to a malfunctioning autopilot and began to break apart. He was forced to eject from the U-2 at 70,000(+) feet above the Mississippi swamps and was found uninjured the next morning dangling from a tree like a puppet. Chuck's distinguished 30 year Air Force career ended in 1981 when he retired in Spokane, Washington at the rank of Colonel.
As with flying, Chuck also had a passion for hunting and fishing. Whether fishing off the coast of Washington, or hunting throughout the state, he was a master at planning the perfect event, far surpassing professional guides and outfitters. Chuck's greatest love however, was his wife Ann who he credits for raising his two boys while he was serving his country on many overseas deployments.
Chuck is survived by his wife Ann; his two sons, John (Las Vegas, NV) and Robert (Minneapolis, MN); brother Harold (Tucson, AZ); four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
To celebrate Chuck's life and his distinguish military career, a memorial service with full Military Honors will be held at 1:00 PM on January 27th at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St., Spokane, WA 99201. RSVP by email to: [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles STRATTON
LTCOL James T. Sanny, Sr., USMC (Ret)
February 4, 2024
Late condolences to the Stratton family. I knew COL Stratton and his family when I was a toddler living on Madison Street, Bellevue, NE. COL Stratton and my Dad were both pilots stationed at Offutt AFB, Bellevue, NE. I remember COL Stratton as a highly polished squared away USAF officer and famous pilot. RIP COL Stratton, you were a hero and fine example for your sons Bobby and Johnny and all of the kids who were growing up on Madison Street, Bellevue, NE.
Lord, please continue to bless the Stratton family. Amen
Semper Fi. LTCOL James T. Sanny, Sr., USMC (Ret)
Bob Stratton
January 9, 2022
Dad, it's been 5 years since you left us and the pain of your passing still bears down on me like a ton of bricks. There's barely a day that goes by without reflecting on the impact you had on my life. My sadness from losing you is only lessened by knowing that you and mom are together again in heaven. I love you and miss you terribly. Until we reunite some day in the loving arms of Our Lord Jesus Christ, I will continue to do my best to live by the strict code of honor you taught me since birth. Thank you for giving me life and for raising me to become a productive member of society. I hope I have made you proud of me.
Bobby
Robert Stratton
February 8, 2017
I miss you immensely, dad. Mom's in good hands until she rejoins you in the arms of The Lord.
Rest In Peace, pop.
I love you.
Bobby
CMS (Ret) Don R. Davis (USAF)
January 30, 2017
Col. Stratton was our Wing Commander @ DMAFB, AZ when we made the move to Beale AFB joining with SR-71 personnel. A great airman and will be missed by the U-2 community. Sending prayers to all his family members as "Chuck" has made his "final flight" soaring way above where "Eagles Soar".
Vikki Hoskins
January 26, 2017
Robert, This is a great story about one of our heroes. I am glad you mentioned this to us (HAV Western Wear). It's hard to lose a parent,but you'll remember him in your memories.
Take good care of your Mom.
Sincerely
Vikki Hoskins
Buck Bender
January 26, 2017
Chuck was a real icon. Thoroughly enjoyed knowing him for the past several years via Daedalians and Quiet Birdmen. Will miss him.
January 16, 2017
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Charles Stratton for your loss. We honor him for the service and sacrifice he made for our country, he is a true hero.
Cliff and Marie Hackney
January 16, 2017
Sorry to hear of Chuck's passing. We enjoyed knowing your through the Compass activities and all of Chuck's stories. Our prayers to you and your family.
John Conley
January 16, 2017
God is with him now, going straight to heaven in a 747 non-stop. Looking back and missing all the wonderful visits at the White Elephant and at our home. He was the greatest. Honored to know him. God willing, we will be at the memorial service.
Don Kisamore
January 15, 2017
I served with Col Stratton. A fine officer, true patriot, and fellow Q.B. Godspeed!
LuAnn Dale
January 15, 2017
Ann and the family so sorry for your loss of a great man and a good friend
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