McPherson, KS: Thomas Michael Stratton was born on April 27, 1949, in McPherson, KS and passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 76.
As the son of a military family, Tom grew up with frequent moves allowing him to experience the likes of nature, national parks, and adventure throughout the United States.
Tom developed a love for outdoor life that never left him. Some of his fondest childhood memories were made at his Grandpa Stratton’s cabin in the Ozarks near Bull Shoals. Tom loved the surrounding woods, creeks, rivers, lakes, camping, fishing, and boating. Tom often spoke of Niangua River and his wishes to be his final resting place. He taught himself guitar at a young age and often sang for his friends and family. “House of the Rising Sun” was a family favorite, and the sound of his voice will forever remain in the hearts of those who heard him.
Friends from his younger days knew him by his beloved serape and called him “Tuco”. A longtime friend recently, perfectly described him to have a brilliant mind, a beautiful smile, love for family, and a satiric sense of humor that was loved by many.
Tom dedicated his career to the cable TV industry, where he earned the admiration and respect of his boss and crew alike. Frequently traveling abroad for work allowed all the things he loved: travel, adventure and food. Tom particularly enjoyed a good steak and potato. He was proficient at fixing or mending just about anything that came his way, and he loved the outdoors whether sitting on the porch, fishing, hunting, or gardening with his grandchildren.
Tom lived a full life of adventure, laughter and love for his family. We know his beloved dog, Ace, was waiting for him and is once again safely nestled on his lap.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Franklin Stratton, Mary Virginia Taylor (Dunn), and his brother, George Stratton.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Kristi Bennett (Billy), Lisa Stratton (Emil), and Cari Hackley (Quentin); siblings, Marianne Page (Gary), Patricia Medina (John), and Joel Stratton (Janet); and seven grandchildren, Asiah (Xavier) Bennett, Chase Bennett, Roman William Smith, Avery Hackley, Cordell Hackley, Abigayle Delaloye, and Austin Dyer; great grandchild, Slade Moore; and many nieces and nephews.
At Tom’s request, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. The family is planning a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation due to Tom’s long battle with kidney disease and/or Fur Fun Rescue due to the great love he had for his dog Ace in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.
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