B.L. Cratton
Born: June 2nd, 1940
Died: February 27th, 2016
Obituary
B. L. Cratton, 75, of Burlington, died at 12:44 PM Saturday, February 27, 2016, at his home.
Born June 2, 1940, in Jericho, AR, he was the son of Eli and Albertha Smith Cratton. He married Dorothy Mae Swayzer and they later divorced. On August 13, 1976, he married Pearl Marie Ray in Galesburg, IL. She died April 6, 2005.
B.L worked for General Electric for 25 years. He also owned and operated Cratton's Construction and previously worked for J.I. Case.
He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, serving until March 1960.
He was a member and served as a Deacon at Greater Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed eating at Jerry's Main Lunch and Napoli's Pizza. He was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed watching T.V., especially, The Voice, Scandal, Grey's Anatomy and How To Get Away With Murder; he also enjoyed spending his time sitting down by the river, drinking coffee and sitting outside.
Survivors his seven sons, Ray Swayzer of Burlington and Allen (Andrea) Swayzer both of Burlington, Bobby Cratton of Dubuque, Ricky (Leslie) Cratton of Burlington, Gerald (Cheryl) Bridges of San Diego, CA, James (Ronda) Redd of Burlington, and Nathaniel (Anne) Bridges of Knoxville, TN; eight daughters, Brenda Jenkins of Burlington, Joyce Aron and Cheryl McMillan both of Iowa City, Barbara Mims of Murphysboro, IL, Bertha Bradley of Keokuk, Lisa (George) McCarthy, Susan Bridges and LaToya (Nathan) Anderson all of Burlington; 54 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; twin brother, M.L. Cratton of Burlington; one niece and six nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by parents; granddaughter, Brittney L. Redd; and aunt, Ossie Mae Farmer.
Visitation will be Friday, March 4, 2016 from noon until 8:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home and Crematory.
The funeral service for Mr. Cratton will be 1:00 PM Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Charles Mitchell and Rev. Nathaniel Bridges officiating and full military honors rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory following the burial.
A memorial has been established.