Joe Barrett Stratton's Obituary
Joe Barrett Stratton passed away peacefully on September 20th in Bentonville, Arkansas, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Joe was born on February 6, 1934, in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, to Delton and Celia Stratton. He graduated from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee, in 1952, and later attended the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from Auburn University in 1956. In 1955, Joe joined the United States Army Reserve and completed the Armor Officer Basic Course in 1958 as a Second Lieutenant. He went on to serve on active duty during the Cold War at Fort Benning, Georgia, with the 489th Engineer Battalion as a Tank Unit Commander. During his service, he was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1959. He returned home in October 1962. Joe grew up working on his family’s cotton farm and continued the tradition after his military service, working closely with his brothers, Perry and Red, for many, many years. In 2000, he and his wife, Janine, relocated to Bentonville, Arkansas, where Joe began a new chapter by founding Stratton Sprinkler. He ran the business until 2018, personally servicing homes and businesses across Northwest Arkansas. Joe was happiest outdoors, working with his hands. He was an avid tennis player, a dedicated Razorbacks and Auburn football fan, and loved sharing a game of cards with a glass of Scotch in hand. A talented artist and self-taught engineer, Joe could build just about anything from wood — from intricate decorations to beautiful, handcrafted Christmas displays. A math whiz, he also enjoyed the challenge of a good Sudoku puzzle. Joe was known for his kind spirit, his infectious smile, and the twinkle in his eye. He had a great sense of humor, a generous heart, and a deep love for his family and friends. His legacy of hard work, creativity, and kindness will be cherished by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delton and Celia Stratton, and his brothers, Perry and Red. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Janine Alexander Stratton, his sister Cora Thorton, and his daughters: Kellie (James) Coleman, Barrett (David) Bonds, Tay Stratton (Tom Dwyer), Tasha (Don) Dugan, Saige (Jon) Stocker, and his stepdaughter Penny (Chris) Ezell. He also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to carry his memory forward.
A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Monday September 29, 2025 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe’s memory to:
● Alzheimer’s Association – Arkansas Chapter
https://www.alz.org/arkansas
● Circle of Life Hospice – Bentonville
https://www.circleoflifecare.org
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