William Stratman Sr.

William "Bill" Sheldon Stratman Sr., 56, of Grassy, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 9, 1950, in East St. Louis, Ill., son of Sheldon Stratman Jr. and Bernadine Stratman.

Stratman worked as a mail sorter for the U.S. Postal Service in Springfield, Mo., before moving to Grassy. He was a member of the Gold Mining Prospecting Club, a gunsmith, a trail rider and worked as a Team Penning. He was also a staff sergeant and an Aircrew life support supervisor in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War.

Survivors include his mother, Bernadine Stratman of Cape Girardeau and two brothers, Darryl (Pam) Stratman of Grassy and Sheldon "Spanky" (Kathy) Stratman III.

He was proceeded in death by his father and a son.

Private services will be held at a later date.

Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Mo., was in charge of arrangements.