Chad grew up in Claridon Township, Ohio, and graduated from Burton High School and The Ohio State University. He worked in herd development for several large ranches across the country. Later he settled in Leavenworth County, Kansas and raised Charolais cattle on his own. Most recently, he was a member of the Heavy Construction Laborers Local Union 663. After retirement, he operated a Kettle Corn Company and traveled the region for various events.
He spent many hours volunteering for different organizations including the Salvation Army, 4-H, and the Red Cross. Chad was a member of the Salvation Army Church in Independence.
Chad was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alma Gratton. He is survived by three children: Frank, of Merriam, KS; Travis (Jill), of Topeka, KS and Angela (Paul) Fyffe, of Peculiar, MO; seven grandchildren; three sisters: Karen, Marcia and Melissa; one brother, Gary; multiple nieces and nephews; and his longtime partner, Judith Harrington and her daughter, Cheryl.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 29 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO.
