Jerry R Stratton

Jerry R. Stratton (Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired) went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2025. Jerry’s life was passionately guided by his enduring love and service to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; to his beloved wife and cherished family; and to his country as a military officer and aviator.

Jerry was born on January 4, 1934, in Boone County, Arkansas to the late John Robert and Lola Pearl Stratton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dotse Mae Stratton and his sister Barbara Stratton Sutton. Jerry’s legacy will be cherished in the lives of his family: his two children, Laura Nolen (husband Michael Nolen) and Larry Stratton (wife Kimberly Stratton); six grandchildren: Elizabeth Griffin, Emily Reis, Erin Nolen, Beth Gibson, Chris Stratton and Courtney Smith; grandsons-in-law, Aaron Griffin, William Reis, Brian Gibson, and Kris Smith; five great grandchildren; his brother, David Stratton (wife Deanna Stratton); sister-in-law Eyvonne Benson, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Jerry often recounted with joy his childhood alongside his brother exploring the beautiful mountains of North Arkansas which shaped his love for God’s creation and his sense of adventure. He loved music and so enjoyed playing the trombone and harmonica. Jerry attended and held dear his time at Ouachita University where he met, fell in love with, and married Dotse Mae Benson in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He later earned a Master in Education degree from Baylor University in 1971. Jerry’s military career as an officer and aviator spanned 30 years, from 1954 to 1984. His assignments included service stateside and in Panama, two tours in Vietnam, two tours in Korea, and Germany. His honors and achievements include Master Aviator Wings, Jump Wings, Air Medals (24), Bronze Star (2) and numerous other service medals.

In 1986, Jerry sensed God’s call and committed his life to ministry. He served as Minister of Education and Administration for First Baptist Church of Copperas Cove, Director of Missions for the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area, and worked with 65 churches in central Texas. In this role, he helped churches plan mission projects, organized training for church leaders, and assisted churches in calling new pastors. He also served in pastoral roles for several churches including Adamsville Baptist Church and Buchanan West Baptist Church.

Jerry also wrote Bible devotions which were eventually published in three volumes (God’s Daily Word). He felt these devotions were a means to continue sharing his love for the Lord into his “retirement years”, and it brought him such joy and fulfillment. Each devotion started with what he called a “chuckle”, underscoring his trademark optimism and fun-loving spirit. Through his faith, Jerry approached life with courage and humility. In one of his devotions, he writes, “It takes faith and God-given courage to look death in the face and see it for what it is: the transition from this earthly physical life to our eternal life in God’s presence. . .and the truth of God’s Word is that when we know God through faith in Jesus Christ, we should not waste our time worrying about or dreading death. . .By His resurrection, Jesus was victorious over sin, death, and the grave” (God’s Daily Word, Vol. 3, p. 48).

Jerry was a beloved husband, father, brother, Papa, and friend who served as a compass for so many. Living his life with love, hope, and determination; he pointed others to faith and values. His loved ones are comforted by the knowledge that his hope in new life has been fulfilled. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

Jerry’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to our First Baptist Church family, Stoney Brook Assisted Living family, and host of precious caregivers, family and friends who have loved him so well. You have shown God’s love and are cherished by us all!

The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life for Jerry on February 3 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church, 300 W Avenue B, Copperas Cove, Texas 76522. Graveside service will follow at 3:00 pm at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery where he will be receiving full military honors, 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas 76542. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Wounded Warriors Project.

The service will be available via live stream at 11am on February 3, 2025

https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistcove