Thomas A Stratton “Uncle Tom” was born December 19, 1938 to Thomas W Stratton (deceased) and Ensel M Clarke (nee Mayes) (deceased) in Washington DC and went home to be with the Lord on October 10, 2019 at 80 years young. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Connie (nee Harner) and beloved children, Linda Bell, Jill Stancil, Karen Reminder (Jack) and Mike Stratton (Tina), grandchildren, Tucker, Cooper, Sara, Rachel, Zach, Stephanie, Nick, and Kailey, and great grandchildren, Jonathan and Carmella. He was the older brother to dear siblings Sylvia (deceased), Dalene (Curtis), David, Carol, Mary Dee (Joel), and David and stepson to Arline Stratton. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, many brothers and sisters in law, cousins, nephews, nieces and their children.
He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force where he served on the Texas Towers radar island off the coast of Massachusetts and his electronics expertise led him to Kent State University to work on the LCD team and then to Honeywell where he retired from fire alarm and security installation and project management after 25 years.
His love of sports included participating in softball, baseball, and broom hockey. He enjoyed working after retirement with the census, newspaper delivery and working on MRI equipment as a subcontractor. His heart was full of songs and they would burst out on any occasion at any location and even if it was to help him remember the name of a new acquaintance. His joke telling could be prompted by any memory that came up. He loved how the use of words creates great literature and that he was able to be involved in the ministry of Giant Eagle bread to the community and assisting The Emergency Assistance Center. He was very thankful to be an usher at Faith Fellowship Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads Community Church, 9018 State Route 44, Ravenna, OH 44266 for the Philippines missions as that was where his nickname of Uncle Tom became international.
Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME 356 W. AURORA RD. (OHIO RTE. 82) SAGAMORE HILLS where Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. VISITATION TUESDAY 2-4 AND 6-8 P.M. Interment Crown Hill Cemetery.
