Dear Stratton Family, I just wanted to extend my condolences. I mowed Mr. Stratton's yard and enjoyed working for him. I like him very much during the brief time I served him and his wife.

 The family of Charley Boston sends our condolences for the loss of your husband and father.

Charlene Boston Cates

The Henson family wishes to send our condolences to Georgia Ann ... and Bill's kids. We all have fond memories of Bill. May God Bless and keep all of you together. With sincere regards.

   I've been neighbors with the Strattons for 6 years. We've always liked to talk about the deer that roam from their yard to mine, depending on who has the best "all-you-can-eat buffet". I loved Bill's sense of humor. He once gave me a hilarious publication he put together about toilets and outhouses that left me "flushed". I've always enjoyed talking with Bill about his flying days & his air strip. His eyes lit up when he talked about planes.     Bill, it's all high flying from this day forth! Keep the horizon straight in your compass. Good flight, safe journey! Your friend and neighbor, 
Jo Wilder

Bill, you will be missed, my friend. I enjoyed your newsletter and your dedication to it and was so proud when the documentary came out to give honor and recognition to those who served so sacrificially during the war.  Most great accomplishments come about by the tireless efforts and sacrifice of those who receive little credit.  You made their story known.  I was very touched when you personally gave me a copy of the DVD.  You were a legend and I am grateful that the Lord had our paths cross.

Bill was a great help to me in providing information for my restoration of a WWII L-4. He was an immeasurable help in generating and sustaining interest in Liaison aircraft. The entire L-bird community will celebrate his life and contributions.

Dear Stratton Family,

I am one of the new generation guys down at Cannon Field where Bill and Hardy did so much. After digging more into the history, I got to know Mr. Stratton and came to greatly appreciate him. As I started running Lbirds.com I came to realize just what an amazing job he did in collecting all of the "L-bird" stories. He was so generous to allow me to show the L-bird film for the last few years. I trust that some of us will be able to pick up from where he so nobly advanced and carry on the legacy of honoring them. I will always remember his passion for the L-birds, his kindness to me, and regret that I never made it to visit the last time.

The Hoffman families of Somerset and beyond wish to send our sincere condolences to Georgia Ann and family. Our associations date back to school days at Somerset High School in the late 30's and 40 and since. My brothers Kenneth and Adolph have admirably kept "Bill Stratton" a house hold name in many wonderful and memorable stories. Some involve his HS band days with his trombone, crop dusting experiences in South Texas and his ABC Services Co (first of its kind in San Antonio).  I'm sure our treasured memories are dwarfed by the profound impact he's had on members of the "International Liaison Pilot and Aircraft Association" (ILPA) members world over brought together by his "Liaison Spoken Here" Newsletter. As a "young"  subscriber, I eagerly read countless stories w/pictures about the little recognized  "L-Bird" pilots during WWII (a remarkable DVD was published).  Also about efforts throughout the world to restore these vintage craft to original condition by men and women to be flown in today's air shows. He's  published series recognizing women in early aviation history, helicopter flying in Vietnam and many other special aviation features. Bill's family can certainly be comforted knowing he has had a remarkable impact on countless lives.

Dear Stratton Family,

It is with deepest sadness that I extend my condolences to you on the loss of your beloved. There are no words that I can say that will make your loss any easier.  However, I would like you to know that I am sincerely thankful for his bravery and great sacrifice to our great country.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I pray that the deep hurt you feel is in some part eased by the feeling of great pride for his valor and deep sense of patriotism.   

He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.  May God give you and yours strength and courage. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. Please know that he will never be forgotten and your family will be remembered in my prayers.

Sincerly,

Dear Georgann, I know Bill and Roger are already talking "old airplanes" in heaven.  I'm so glad you included Bill's picture in the photo section -- the one Roger took with Bill and the aircraft.  I remember that day so well, and it was a shot Roger was most proud of.  With much love to you and the family,and thank you for all the years of friendship.  Love, Margaret

Bill was a fascinating and loving man. He always had great military stories to tell. I always thought of him as a brother-in-law. We will miss him deeply. Our prayers and love to Georgia Ann and his children. We love you!        Rita and Joey Wilkinson

OBITUARY

Bill Louis Stratton

January 30, 1923 – March 26, 2011

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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