Gerald "Jerry" David Stratton, 93, went to be with the Lord on October 13, 2026. Jerry was born in Waco, Texas, the son of Virginia Lee Hicks and Leslie Martin Stratton. He attended Waco High School before heading to TCU for college. After two years of college Jerry joined the U.S. Army and served two years in Todendorf, Germany before returning home and graduating from TCU. In 1963, he met Patricia "Patty" Roberts and they were married December 7, 1963. In 1965, Jerry started his own business, Arrow Manufacturing Company, building camper tops. He was an excellent salesman and through the years sold ladders, caulking and adhesives to builders. Jerry retired in 1997 and he and Patty decided to leave Houston and move to Brenham, Texas, where he lived until his death. He enjoyed the "small town" environment of Brenham and made many new friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved his church family where he served on several boards and his Brenham Cubs football team.

Jerry was an avid gardener who took great pride in his many peach trees, larkspur and irises and he was also a skilled woodworker and craftsman. Jerry found great joy in taking road trips to new and familiar destinations alike. For several years he and Patty attended Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming, along with many trips to the cool air and beautiful mountains of Colorado. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fly fishing in Colorado and dove hunting at the family farm in Waco. During his time in Houston, he owned several horses and liked riding and sharing this time with his children.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and sister Shirley Stratton Lanham.

He is survived by his wife, Patty of 62 years, their three children David Stratton (Julie), Mary Jo Stratton Gray (Peter) and Virginia Stratton Smith (Garland), brother, Leslie Martin Stratton, Jr., uncle Harold Hicks and grandsons Hunter Stratton and Clay Stratton. He is also survived by many other loved family members including the daughters of his beloved sister, Shirley: Jennifer Weggeland, Lynn Allinson, and Julie Danehey and his two closest cousins Paul Hicks and Greg Hicks.

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude to the medical professionals, caregivers Sally and Morris White and Hospice Brazos Valley who provided tireless and attentive care to Jerry during the latter stages of his life. The family is also thankful for the countless friends whose love and support strengthened all of us.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service at First United Methodist Church, 408 N. Baylor Street, Brenham, Texas, 77833, on Tuesday, October 27th at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Andrew Hook officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas, at a later date.

For 29 years Jerry was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Brenham. Memorials in his memory may be made to FUMC or a charity of your choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com