Earl Stratton

Earl Richard Stratton, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born Feb. 27, 1933, at Marble Hill, Mo., to Melvin and Thelma Fox Stratton. He and Wilma Stephens were married March 13, 1953, at Marble Hill.

Earl graduated from Lutesville High School, then took international correspondence courses and believed that you can never learn enough.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Earl was a Scoutmaster for Troop 18 in Cape Girardeau and earned the Silver Beaver Award. He also was an Order of the Arrow vigil member and was a counselor for Southeast Missouri Boy Scout Council.

He worked at various rock quarries in the area, started Arab Stone Co. in Arab, Mo., and was superintendent at Southeast Stone Co. He was a member of Cape Community Church.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma Stratton of Cape Girardeau; two sons, Ronnie Stratton of Benton, Mo., Danny Stratton of Oak Ridge; and a grandchild, Alexander Crowell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeremy Clayton officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau with military rites conducted by Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Alzheimer's Association or Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.