Lawrence Leland Stratton Jr. 84, lifelong area resident, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the East Morgan County Hospital in Brush. Lawrence was born November 13, 1926 in Inavale, Nebraska to Lawrence and Inis (McCracken) Stratton Sr. He married Gertrude Bellender on May 10, 1950 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brush. Lawrence was a life member of the VFW. He enjoyed camping, fishing and reading, especially westerns. Louis L'Amour was his favorite author. Survivors include his wife Gertie of Brush, two sons, Randy Stratton and wife Sue of Callaway, Nebraska and Tim Stratton and wife Cathy of Castaic, California, one daughter Debbie Johnson and husband Daniel of North Platte Nebraska, seven grandchildren Wendy Kilber of Norman, Oklahoma, Cathy Meisel of Colorado Springs, R.D Stratton of Kearney, Nebraska, Travis Stratton of Kearney, Nebraska, Nicole Stratton of Lancaster, California, Michelle Stratton of North Hollywood, California and David Stratton of Castaic, California and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be Monday, Septembr 19, 2011 at 10:30 am at the Heer & Dahl Mortuary Chapel in Brush. Inurnment will follow in Brush Memorial Cemetery. The Heer & Dahl Mortuary in Brush is in charge of the arrangements.