Robert F. Stretton Jr

Robert F. Stretton Jr., age 92, of Savanna, Illinois, died Thursday, January 6, 2011, at home. Upon the request of the deceased, no services are planned and his body has been donated to science at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Memorials may be given in Robert’s memory to the Rural Savanna Fire Protection District, which he served as treasurer for 21 years.
Robert was born January 10, 1918, in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Robert F. and Violet E. (Burley) Stretton. He spent most of his childhood in the Oak Park area, with visits to Plymouth, England and a period of residence in Ireland. He attended Bradley University briefly before enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1941. He married Martha J. Janggen on January 30, 1942 in Oak Park. Robert served in the Army Air Corps until the end of World War II, serving as a liaison pilot. He was awarded several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He worked as an electrical contractor in the suburban Chicago area until 1953, when he moved to rural Savanna and farmed until age and health forced his gradual retirement. He also worked for the railroad for a brief period of time and as a guard at the Savanna Army Depot.
Survivors include three sons, Robert (Vicki) Stretton III of Savanna, Michael (Tammy) Stretton of Savanna and Jeffrey (Sandy) Stretton of McAlester, Oklahoma; one daughter, Kathleen (John) Eaton of Savanna; three grandsons, Matthew (Krissy Fink) Taylor of Genoa, Illinois, Jesse (Tina) Stretton of Savanna, and Michael (Tiffany) Stretton of Fairbanks, Alaska; three great granddaughters, one great grandson, five step – grandchildren and seven step – great grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife Martha; his parents; two brothers and one sister.