John Franklin Stratton

“Big John” Stratton of Corvallis died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in Albany after a brief illness. John was born at home in Donald, Oregon to Leroy Stratton and Lucy Anna Mann Stratton. At the age of 11, he moved with his family to Lobster Valley, Oregon where he walked seven miles (uphill both ways) to and from Alsea public schools. At 17, John left high school to join the United States Army, where he was stationed in Hawaii and proudly served for four years. After leaving the Army, John returned to Alsea where he worked for Alsea Lumber Company. John moved to Philomath and worked for Clemens Forest Products and Mutual Produce (now Fircrest) in Corvallis. His exuberant lifestyle included previous marriages to Betty V. Hendrix of Alsea, now deceased, and Gale Tarbet, status unknown, of Albany and a daughter, Johnie Dee Gariepy (Michael) and family of Albany. John moved to Corvallis, met the love of his life, and was the owner and sole operator of his own business for over 30 years. John started John’s Custom Welding in 1970. That same year, after securing the permission of her four-year-old daughter, Diana, John married Hazel. Through more than 47 years together, they kept a home, raised a family, and found happiness with each other. Building his business through word of mouth, John used his talents for creating and fixing to help countless people, including three generations of some families. He also used his natural approachability and penchant for chatting to turn customers into friends. Any sizeable gathering of people in the mid-valley included at least a few people John knew, and he would not hesitate to stop and talk to everyone. When the business was destroyed by fire in 1996, John rebuilt at age 60. He was touched by the outpouring of support and proud of rebuilding, free and clear, in less than two years. John’s first love was his family. He particularly enjoyed exploring the Oregon Dunes in his hand-built sand rail, antiquing with his wife, attending AA Auction in Taft, and spending time at the beach. John helped build an oceanfront cabin which the family enjoyed for years. His favorite toys included his 1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe and 1980 FLH Classic Harley Davidson customized to a trike. He faithfully supported his wife in her volunteer endeavors. John was a life member of the Elks and the American Welding Society and a member of the Moose and the American Legion. John is survived by his wife, Hazel Williamson DeVoe Stratton of Corvallis; their daughter Diana DeVoe Stratton (Brian) Kepner of Philomath; their son Jon Michael (Denise) Stratton of Albany; brother Edward (Nellie) Stratton of Philomath; grandchildren Elliot and Claire Kepner of Philomath; a niece and three nephews; and good friend Tommy Zinn. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Noah King Kepner; and good friends Karl Baker, Loren Reed and Lee Stratton. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 27 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 West Hills Road in Corvallis. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Love INC of Benton County or Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. Arrangements are being handled through McHenry Funeral Home in Corvallis. If you would like to leave a memory you have of John for his family, you can do so at the service or at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.

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John Franklin Stratton

May 15, 1936 - January 12, 2018