Don R. "Papa" Stratton, 79, of North Platte died December 25, 2020 at Great Plains Health. He was born September 12, 1941 to Cecil and Mary (Welty) Stratton. He grew up in the Addison, New York area, and married Mary Reagan. To this union 3 daughters were born, Elizabeth, Theresa and Mitzi. Later he met Betty Mell in Colorado, they were wed December 18, 1976 at the Mell house in Lincoln County Nebraska. As a couple they lived on the family place in rural Lincoln County. Don and Betty had a custom hay business, he was a silver smith, making many custom buckles and wooden toys. Family was the center of his life, being called "Papa" by everyone. He had a likeable personality and made friends easy.

He is survived by his wife; Betty of North Platte, 2 children; Elizabeth "Liz" (Robin) Carr, Addison, New York, Jodi (Travers) Richardson, Hershey, Nebraska, son-in-law; Joe Gush, New York, grandchildren; Michael Carr, New York, Daniel (Melanie) Carr, North Carolina, Rebecca (J.P.) Reynolds, New York, Lane (friend-Kalli Van Ryswyk) Richardson, Brittney Richardson, Hershey, Nebraska, Kyle Gush, New York, 9 great-grandchildren, siblings; Linda (Dave) Weber, New York, Maynard Stratton, Florida, Dale Stratton, Alaska, Bill (Martha) Stratton, New York, Carole Breese, Indiana, Joe (Sue) Stratton, New York, David (Kim) Causer, New York, sister and brother-in-law; Fran and Charlie DeWolf, Hershey, Nebraska. Special friends; Linda, Bill, Patti, Stephanie, Tonya Baker, Arizona. Paula and Marty Meuschke, Georgia, Angel and Christy. Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; Cecil and Mary Stratton, 2 daughters, toddler Mitzi Stratton and Theresa Gush, siblings; Roland, Lloyd and Dick Stratton, parents' in-law; Frances and Joseph Mell, sister-in-law; Connie Mell.

Memorials can be made to the family for later designation.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Wade Hudson officiating. Burial will be at North Platte Cemetery.

Book signing will be from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, North Platte, Ne. Family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 on Tuesday.

The service will also be livestreamed via Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. Online condolences and sharing of memories can be made at www.adamsswanson.com Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Causal dress is requested. CDC Covid 19 guidelines will be respected and therefore social distancing and wearing a mask is suggested.