Retired Chief Warrant Officer W4, Everett E. Stratton, 88, of Lockhart Drive, Middlebury, died Monday, October 29 at his home. He was the widower of Evelyn R. (Bertrum) Stratton, whom he was married to for 61 years. CWO Stratton was born October 14, 1919 in Norwalk, CT, son of the late Raymond E. and Florence (Flint) Stratton. He enlisted in the CT Army National Guard in November of 1940 and was called to active duty on February 24, 1942. He served with the 963rd Field Artillery during WWII. He participated in 5 campaigns in the European Theatre of Operations. From these campaigns, he received several decorations. These included the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. CWO Stratton returned home in 1945 to remain in the Army National Guard and was called to active duty again in September, 1950, serving in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning from Germany, he became a full time guardsman. He served in the Norwalk, Waterbury and Hartford Armories. During this time until his retirement in 1977, CWO Stratton became a Department of the Army civilian employee for the CT Army National Guard. He was also a 53 year member of the Masons. He is survived by a son, John R. Stratton of Middlebury; a daughter, Martha E.R. Pixley of Watertown; 2 grandsons of Watertown, a grandson and a granddaughter and 2 great granddaughters of Littleton, CO.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, 65 Tucker Hill Road, Middlebury, 06762 or to the Middlebury Police Department, 200 Southford Road, Middlebury, 06762.

Cemetery: Fairfield Memorial Park

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Services: Funeral services Monday, November 5 at 10: 00 a.m. at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main St. North. Burial with full military honors will be in Fairfield Memorial Park, Stamford.

Visitation: Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, from 6 to 8 p.m.