Carl Oliver Stratton

Carl O. Stratton, 74, of Madison, IL, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Deaconess Henderson.

He was born in Washington, IA on October 19, 1949.

Carl retired as Sergeant First Class from the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran and Silver Star recipient. He also served as a Reserve Police Officer in Leesville, IA. Carl was a lifelong member of the American Legion and served as the 2007-08 Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Illinois Commander. In addition, he was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and earned the 1994-95 All-American Award. Carl was loved by many. In the words of a friend and former neighbor, “He was a great man and a friend.”

Carl was preceded in death by his brother, Glen E. Whetstine and sister, Pamala Sue Whetstine.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sara B. (Klemm) Stratton of Madison, IL; adoptive parents, Bruce C. Stratton and Nicholous R. (Parsons) Stratton of Springfield, IL; biological mother, Pearl (Baines) Whetstine of Rutledge, IA; sister, Connie L. (Whetstine) Kersey of La Vergne, TN; three sons and one daughter; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Services and burial are scheduled at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery with full military honors.

Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson are in charge of arrangements.