Willis Wayne Stratton was born on November 27, 1944 in Malta Bend, MO to Florence (Roberts) and Willis Henry Stratton. He departed from this Earth on April 29, 2023, surrounded by family.

Willie and his seven siblings grew up on a farm in northern Missouri and he worked in the coal mines alongside his father as a teenager. At the age of nineteen Willie became a member of the Boilermakers Local Union 83 where he worked on pressure vessels.  Willie continued his craft of welding for 30 years as a Boilermaker before opening his own welding shop in Clinton, IA and then moving to Clinton, MO before retiring in 2010.  He was still a card-carrying member of the Boilermakers and just recently received his 55-year pin.

Willie was united in marriage to Joyce Easter on May 17, 1980, in Clinton, Iowa.  This union brought together Willie's three sons of the home and Joyce's youngest daughter.  Willie and Joyce made their home together and worked as a team raising the children through thick and thin.

Willie was a hard worker who loved country music and a good two-step. His favorite dancing partner was his beloved Joyce.  He was truly one of kindest human beings you could meet.  Willie's favorite times where when he was surrounded by his family and especially his grandchildren.  He taught his family how to work hard and to love harder.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents Willis and Florence Stratton, brothers Jimmy Stratton, John Stratton, Tom Stratton, sister Janie Coehn and his wife Joyce.

He is survived by two daughters: Yvonna (Dennis) Woody – El Dorado Springs, MO, Lisa Damewood – El Dorado Springs, MO, four sons: Jerry Joe (Rhonda) Mefford – Windsor, MO, Delbert (Tina) Stratton – Pisgah IA, Mark (Tracy) Stratton – Fulton IL, and Joe (Nikki) Stratton – Fulton IL. Willie is survived by 18 grandchildren: Amber Ogle, Autumn Woody, Matthew Woody, Lauren Smith, Brandon Damewood, Jason Mefford, Melissa Boyer, Brian Mefford, Crystal Christensen, Bobbie Jo Havick, Angie Mohn, Stephanie Van de Brake, A.J. Stratton, Hilary Graham, Nick Stratton, Zack Stratton, Cael Stratton, Noah Stratton, 32 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.