Ernest Bratton

Ernest Don Bratton, age 78 of Westfield/Briggsville, was called home to his Lord and Savior and to join his wife, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family following complications of Pneumonia on Saturday, August 4, 2007 at the V.A. Hospital in Madison.. He was born on August 16, 1928 in New Boston, IL, son of the late Ernest and Florence (Crease) Bratton. Don proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during WW II repairing aircraft. He married Virginia Zimmerman on March 27, 1949 in Muscatine, IA, she preceded him in death on November 20, 2006. Don farmed in the Township of Springfield for many years along with his wife. He was a member of the Township of Springfield Volunteer Fire Department and American Legion Post # 244 of Westfield. Don had a life long love of aviation. He also enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, hunting, camping and traveling out west.
Survivors include five daughters, Donna (Steve) Nachtrab, Van Dyne, Gloria (Michael) Carow, Oshkosh, Shirley (Mike) Coomer-Kujuwa, Phoenix, AZ, Patti (Steve) Pulver, Briggsville and Barbara (Scott) Starkey, Lockport, IL; 17 grandchildren, four of whom are currently serving on active duty with the armed forces of the United States; 10 great grandchildren; special pet and constant companion, Sophie; great friends and neighbors, Bud and Kathy Hockerman and their family; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by two sisters, Oneta Klein and Fonda Ramer.
A funeral service for Don will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, Westfield with Pastor Joe Adkins officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Township of Springfield where full military honors will be held. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2007 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home, Westfield and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of service.