Don R. “Papa” Stratton, age 79, of North Platte, Nebraska died December 25, 2020 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. He was born September 12, 1941 to Cecil and Mary (Welty) Stratton. He grew up in the Addison, New York area, and married Mary Reagan. To this union 3 daughters were born: Elizabeth, Theresa and Mitzi. Later he met Betty Mell in Colorado, and they were wed December 18, 1976 at the Mell house in Lincoln County, Nebraska. As a couple they lived on the family place in rural Lincoln County. Don and Betty had a custom hay business, he was a silver smith, making many custom buckles and wooden toys. Family was the center of his life, being called “Papa” by everyone. He had a likeable personality and made friends easy.
He is survived by his wife; Betty of North Platte, Nebraska; 2 children, Elizabeth “Liz” (Robin) Carr of Addison, New York, Jodi (Travers) Richardson of Hershey, Nebraska; son-in-law; Joe Gush of New York; grandchildren; Michael Carr of New York, Daniel (Melanie) Carr of North Carolina, Rebecca (J.P.) Reynolds of New York, Lane (friend-Kalli Van Ryswyk) Richardson, Brittney Richardson of Hershey, Nebraska, Kyle Gush of New York; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings; Linda (Dave) Weber of New York, Maynard Stratton of Florida, Dale Stratton of Alaska, Bill (Martha) Stratton of New York, Carole Breese of Indiana, Joe (Sue) Stratton of New York, David (Kim) Causer of New York; sister and brother-in-law, Fran and Charlie DeWolf of Hershey, Nebraska; special friends; Linda, Bill, Patti, Stephanie & Tonya Baker of Arizona, Paula and Marty Meuschke of Georgia and Angel and Christy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Cecil and Mary Stratton, 2 daughters, toddler Mitzi Stratton and Theresa Gush; siblings Roland, Lloyd and Dick Stratton; parents’ in-law Frances and Joseph Mell; and sister-in-law; Connie Mell.
Memorials can be made to the family for later designation.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, Nebraska with Pastor Wade Hudson officiating. Burial will be at North Platte Cemetery.
Book signing will be from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, North Platte, Nebraska with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 on Tuesday.
The service will also be livestreamed via Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page for those unable to attend in person.
Online condolences and sharing of memories can be made at www.adamsswanson.com Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Causal dress is requested.
CDC Covid 19 guidelines will be respected and therefore social distancing and wearing a mask is suggested.