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Funeral: 1 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Salem Assembly of God
Visitation: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday at Salem Assembly of God
Reverend Richard Leroy “Rick” Stratton, age 62, of Flora, Illinois went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Clay County Hospital in Flora.
Rick was born October 26, 1951 in Carlinville, Illinois to Robert and Alice (Wilson) Stratton. He married Marcia Ann Duvernay on May 26, 1973 in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota.
Remembered as a dependable friend, a respected mentor, and a man of compassion and generosity, he touched the lives of many. Rick loved his God, his family, and his church, and he enjoyed spending time with his three rambunctious grandchildren.
After completing a degree at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, he began a life of service to Christ as an ordained minister in the Assembly of God. His ministry spanned 40 years. He served as a youth pastor, congregational minister, and evangelist throughout the Midwest, including Flora and Washington Park Illinois. Throughout his career, Rick found joy in ministering to people of all ages. Since 2006, he served as Pastor of Salem Assembly of God and Executive Presbyter of the South Eastern section of the Illinois District of The Assembly of God.
Rick enjoyed fishing, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He had a knack for fixing broken stuff and was a computer wizard. Rick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a dynamic preacher and caring pastor. But most importantly, he was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, his Savior who undoubtedly welcomed him into the bosom of Abraham with the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Cancer took Rick’s vocal chords, but it didn’t take his voice or his witness. Despite his illness, Rick continued to preach the Gospel and serve Salem Assembly as Pastor. He was strong, and his faith in time of trial was an uplifting inspiration to many. On his blog, “The Journey,” he welcomed readers with lasting words of selfless encouragement: “My prayer for you today is that you will be blessed and victorious.” This was his prayer to those he loved, but in the end, it was he who was victorious. Cancer took his life, but neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor death, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate Rick from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rick is survived by his wife: Marcia Ann Stratton of Flora; mother: Alice Stratton of Carlinville; two sons: Jason Robert Stratton (wife Aurelia Anne) of Springfield, Missouri and Jonathan Robert Stratton (wife Susan Elizabeth) of St. Louis, Missouri; three grandchildren: Andrew Jonathan, Audrey Brooke, Alyssa Beth, along with one grandchild expected later this summer; and two brothers: Ken Stratton of Carlinville and Donald Stratton (wife Lynda) of Granite City. He was preceded in death by his father.
The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Salem Assembly of God with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Powers Cemetery, Xenia. Donations in Rick’s memory can be made to the Youth and Kid’s Program at Salem Assembly of God. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. An online guest book is available at www.frankandbright.com.
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Marcia, Jason, and Jonathon, I am so sorry for your loss. You all know how special Bro. Rick was to me. He was a great role model for all of us that grew up in the church. I am so grateful that he was able to speak at dad's funeral. I love you all and will be keeping you in my prayers.
My sympathy to all rick's family and church community. I went through grade school and high school with Rick as a fellow classmate. May God give you the grace of his love as you deal with your loss. There is another angel to look over us all. Condolences - Gail
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Rev. Susan, I am so sorry about your families lost. I send sincere prayers to you, family & friends. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and I promise He will see you through. I am Carole Hughes' oldest sister.
While it has been many years since our school days together I remember Rick as a great guy who was a catcher for our Carlinville High School baseball team. I am so sorry for his loss but know he is with God in full glory now and forever. From first grade thru high school Rick was my friend and I will never forget him
Marcia, Jason and Jonathon, We are so sorry for your loss we love Pastor Rick he was a good pastor and evangelist and friend he helped my husband in so many things and he will be greatly missed, he has earned his reward and is rejoicing in heaven now and in no more pain. Jan. 22nd
You were my pastor, my teacher, and my friend. I feel privileged to have had you as my high school principal and honored to be your first graduate. I know you are with our Lord Jesus in eternal happiness now. Thank you for what you taught me and may God bless your family and the Holy Spirit give them comfort and peace.
Marcia, We are praying for you. All of the Olson kids love and appreciate you so much and have the very finest memories of your entire family. My brother in law Curt Thomassen and I both had the privilege of being at NCBC with Rick. He was one of God's best!
Our hearts were saddened to hear of Rev. Rick's passing. Though we didn't personally know Rick, we knew his parents and his brother, Donnie, from attending the Carlinville Assembly of God many years ago. May God give all his families the comfort & strength for each new day as they try to cope with the huge loss of son, husband, father & grandfather. We extend our deepest thoughts, prayers & deepest sympathy to each of his family members, as well as his church families he has ministered to over the years. In Christian love, Ruth Ann & Glenn Summers, Patoka, IL
To the entire family, so sorry for your loss. Almost 35 years ago, Rick officiated at our wedding and years later, our son, Derek, became good friends with Johnny throughout high school and beyond. Our prayers will be with you.
Marcia and Family, How truly beautiful heaven will be. Now being filled with so many wonderful people. I can still hear Bro Rick sing the song Little Boy From The Carpenter Shop. Thoughts and prayers for comfort for you at this sad time!!
we're are very sorry for your loss. Rick was a good person and a neighbor. the neighborhood won't be the same.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rick and I were neighbors as children in Carlinville, and we also were in the same class at Carlinville High School. He was an outstanding athlete and a wonderful person. I am deeply saddened by his death and even more saddened to learn that his brother Kenny passed away today. Please Dear Lord guide this family through these trying times. Keep their mother in your arms as a mother cannot bear the loss of her child. God Bless all of you.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of a man who was a wonderful youth pastor to me in Indianola Iowa many years ago. He and Macia walked in great faith and were a true blessing to me as a teenager. Now I am a grandmother but I have never lost my faith in God. So thank you for building my foundation it has stood strong for forty years. Marcia my prayers are with you and your family.
He had such a impact on my life when I was growing up, he took the time to come talk with me when I was having problems, I will never forget him, he was such a wonderful man, he will be missed but he reached out and helped so many people, now he is in Heaven .....
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
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