Walter “Bud” Sias Stratton, 88, of Plant City, died Jan. 13, 2014.
Born on Aug. 29, 1925, in Winchester, Mass., he was the son of the late Elmer and Leora (Gilman) Stratton. He shared 65 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Eleanor “Ellie” LaFleur Stratton, who survives.
Mr. Stratton was a World War II Navy veteran, serving on the USS NOA in Pearl Harbor, and was awarded a World War II Gold Medal. He had a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer with General Electric and then moved into technological progress when he was a part of creating the CAD-CAM program. In his early adulthood, while raising his family, he was actively involved in youth ministry.
He also is survived by his daughters, Donna Stratton Cormier, of Lynn, Mass., and Dr. Margie Stratton, of Bradenton; 10 grandchildren, Miranda Cantu (Rabul), Marc Cormier, Mathieu Cormier, Michel Cormier (Rebecca), Leeann Molligi, Christine Bothelo (Ron), Susan Stratton (John), LauraLee Stratton, Christopher Kelly and Catherine Kelly; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Elmer Stratton.
A funeral service was held Jan. 20, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, Plant City.
Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.