Robert Francis Stratton

Robert F. Stratton passed away at the age of 98 on August 10, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bob was born and raised in Bloomington, IL and attended a one-room brick school until 8th grade, when the school added a second room. Growing up during the summers, he assisted his father working on a truck farm and in greenhouses. The family moved to Janesville, WI during Bob’s last two years of high school. During that time, he worked part-time in a meat market as a butcher. Following high school, Bob was accepted into the Holloway V-5 Navy Flight Training Program. Under this program, he first attended 2 years at Milton College before reporting for active duty at NAS Pensacola, FL in June 1948. Bob completed flight training and received his wings on 2/23/50. Three weeks later, Bob married the love of his life, Ramona Joan Shippy. When first married, they lived in Miami, FL where Bob flew with the Hurricane Hunter squadron, recording data from the eye of the hurricane. When the Navy shipped them out to Pt Lyautey, Morocco for two years, Bob flew transport aircraft in Europe until his return to the states in 1953.

Following his time in the Navy, Bob returned to Beloit, WI and was hired by Beloit Savings Bank in their loan department for a few years. He enjoyed flying and landed a position with the Allis Chalmers corporate flight operations in Milwaukee, WI. Corporate Aviation would keep Bob busy for the next 30+ years, taking him and his family to various locations…Kingsport, TN (Bennett and Edwards), Toledo, OH (Dana Corporation), Charlotte, NC (JA Jones Construction Company) and Wilmington, DE (Hawker Siddley Aviation). In each community, Bob and Mona and family made many close friends that they kept in touch with through all the moves and years.

Bob’s final position prior to retirement was back in Charlotte, NC was one of his proudest moments, where he was hired as VP and Director of Flight Operations for First Union National Bank. This involved managing a flight department which included 5 Corporate Jets and 10 pilots. He was a meticulous pilot and manager – you could eat off the floor in his hanger!

Bob retired from flying in 1993. He and Mona moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to daughter Rondi and family. Each winter found them migrating to Sun City at Paradise RV Park where they shared many happy memories with Son Bob and family and numerous other relatives (including Mona’s sister Rose and husband Bill, as well as Bob’s brother Frank and wife Lois) and friends for over 15 years. Bob and Mona also traveled extensively and were truly able to enjoy their years of retirement.

Bob was never one to be idle. He was always active in and a faithful member of the Methodist Church, wherever they lived, either on the finance committee, ushering, or lending a hand building the Ranch house at the John Wesley Ranch in Divide, CO. His faith, service, and participation in their church were an important aspect of his life.

He volunteered 8 years of his time to Habitat for Humanity. Bob was handy with his hands and his mind. He pitched in with several business projects with daughter Rondi and husband Dan – they put him to work and he was always willing to help.

Bob rarely had a negative comment about anyone. He was kind, with an intelligent, inquiring mind and always had a positive can-do attitude. He cared greatly for his country and served her proudly, and he loved his family and friends dearly. His smile and gentle nature will be missed by all.

He is survived by his son, Bob and daughter in law Debbie Stratton, Daughter Rondi and son in law Dan Kane, grandchildren, Rob and wife Kristen Stratton, Kristin and husband Kyle Van Helmond, Austin Kane and fiancée Mari, Mackenzie Kane and wife Alyson, and Conor Kane. He also has 3 great grandchildren, Zoe and Max Van Helmond and Owen Kane. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mona, to whom he was married over 75 years.

A memorial service will be held at Mackenzie Place, where they resided for 11 years, on Saturday, September 12, at 1PM.