Barry LeRoy Stratton

Barry LeRoy Stratton was born to Duane Leach Stratton and Eleanor Josephine (Nelson) Stratton in Huron, South Dakota on March 26, 1948. Barry passed away suddenly on February 25, 2022 in Carrollton, Texas.

Barry completed his Bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education at the University of South Dakota in 1970. While in college, he joined the Army ROTC and later volunteered for service in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal, Vietnam Service Award with 2 campaign stars and National Defense Service Medal. An officer he served with described him as “one of the most astute, dedicated and resourceful officers I have ever known…I would place this officer high on the list of those destined for great things in life.” This was later manifested through great things Barry did for others. He put the people in his life first. A great listener, caring father, grand-father and friend and most of all, someone you could always count on.

Known for a strong work ethic and dedicated to supporting the kids in his life, he often held down two or three jobs at a time. He retired from the City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department, worked for the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oak Cliff, was working at Lowes Home Improvement for 23 years before his death and at one time owned Barry’s Gallery and Framing in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. Throughout his career, he impacted hundreds of youth through teaching, coaching sports and coordinating activities. He helped to shape the future trajectory of many young people.

Barry was a dad to many children, creating a blended and loving family. He is survived by his children Kathy Kuras, Kerrie Kuras Fragoso, Robert Kuras, Gissell Lewis and her husband Jay Lewis, Michele Mayorga and her husband Jose Lopez Jr., Ashley Armas, and Alex Tellez; nieces Samantha Colvard and her wife Carolyn Liles, and nephew Mark Stratton; grandchildren Jerald Fragoso, Jalisa Fragoso Council and her husband Michael Council, Julian Fragoso III and his wife Lisa Fragoso, Evan Lewis, Ava Lewis, Isabella Kuras-Gordon, Ethan Martinez, Abriel Lewis, America Martinez, and Athena Lopez; and great grand-child Ellinore Fragoso.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Duane Kirk Stratton, niece Connie Rodriguez, brother in law and sister in law Gerald Colvard and Camelia Colvard, and son in law Julian Fragoso Jr.

Barry will be honored in a celebration of life on Tuesday, March 29 at 11:30 am at the Grand Prairie Funeral Home (733 Dalworth St., Grand Prairie, Texas 75050), followed by a gravesite burial at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visiting hours will take place on Monday, March 28 from 5:00-9:00pm at the Grand Prairie Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Stratton family.