Gene Stratton, 77

Eugene J. Stratton, age 77, of Marcellus, MI passed away on National Fireman’s Day, Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, MI.
He was born December 24, 1938 in Kalamazoo, MI the son of Ernest Avery and Mildred Ione (Snow) Stratton. On November 24, 1961 in Dowagiac, MI he married Yvonne R. Powers who preceded him in death on January 11, 2010.
Gene worked in maintenance and farmed. He also served the Marcellus community as a volunteer fireman for over 50 years and 11 of those years as the Fire Chief. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and truly enjoyed his friends and the Marcellus community.
He is survived by one son, Jason C. (Jessica) Stratton of Spokane, Washington and one daughter, Angela G. Metzger of Marcellus; three sisters, Diane Haas, Janet Driskel and Donna Stratton; one brother, Dale Stratton; four grandchildren, Ashley, Megan, Dalton and Jacob Metzger; two great-grandchildren and his companion Joan Ransbottom. He was preceded in death by his wife Yvonne and son Gene R. Stratton.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM Friday, May 6, 2016 at the Mater-Ralston Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Marcellus Fire Station. Memorials may be directed to the Marcellus Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com