Vernon Edward Stratton, 75, of Custer, South Dakota, died May 15, 2018, following an extended illness, at Rapid City Regional Hospital, in Rapid City, SD.

Vernon was born June 6, 1942, at Darnell Maternity home, in Custer, South Dakota.  Vernon was the fourth of seven children born to Louis and Thelma Stratton.  Vernon proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy, part of which was served on the USS Yorktown and the USS Shangri-La.  He was a miner in the Black Hills for most of his life and was well known and admired for his extensive knowledge and love of rocks and minerals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a young sister, Peggy Stratton.

He leaves behind his six children, Randy Ehrler of Las Vegas, NV;  Cinthy (Jay) Carson of Laramie,WY;  Sheri Hildabrant of Rapid City, SD;  Vernon Stratton of Los Angeles, CA;  Aric (Mary Beth) Stratton of Oxford MS; Alex (April) Stratton of Oxford, MS;   five siblings, Evelyn Maxine (Doug) King of Port Orchard, WA; Janice (Byron) Marteny of Custer, SD;  Milton (Donna) Stratton of Simpsonville , SC;  Jerry (Vicki) Stratton of Hot Springs, SD; Stephen (Glory) Stratton of Suffolk, VA; along with ten grandchildren, 21 nieces and nephews and a multitude of cousins and friends.

A Memorial graveside service is planned at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2018, at the Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.  Family and friends are welcome to attend.