William “Duke” Bratton, age 84, of Council Grove, passed away November 5, 2020, after a three year battle with cancer.
He was born August 25, 1936 in Topeka, KS, the son of Cle and Bernice Bratton. He graduated from CGHS in 1954 and continued his education at Kansas State University, graduating in 1958, with a Business Degree. Duke married Kay Allen on February 12, 1959.
Duke opened and ran the Bowling Alley in Council Grove from 1958-1968. He was the City Clerk for the City of Council Grove for several years, before going to work for the Post Office. He retired in 1996, after 30 years of service.
Growing up Duke travelled the country with his parents shooting skeet. He was Runner Up National Champion in 1948, at the age of 12 and subsequently shot in 5 consecutive National Championships.
He was a member of the Council Grove Country Club for 63 years. He was the CGCC City Champion 13 times thru the years, battling for the title with many of his closest friends. Duke loved hunting, trapping and fishing. He enjoyed sharing his passion with others, volunteering with Hunter Safety Programs, sharing in classrooms, and especially spending many hours with his two grandchildren.
Duke loved music, especially Bluegrass. He and Kay took several trips to Branson, MO and Winfield, KS to festivals. He played many instruments by “ear” and self-taught himself to play the banjo. He also loved his K-State Wildcats! He and Kay held season tickets to the men’s and women’s basketball teams for several years…..and the TV was always on for KSU football and basketball.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Robert Sam Bratton; sister Barbara Bratton Harkness; and an infant granddaughter, Aimee Stone. Duke is survived by his loving wife, Kay; daughter Vicki Bratton Stone and husband John, all of Council Grove; grandson Tyler Stone, of Pittsburg; granddaughter Makayla Stone and fiance’ Jordon Foss, of Manhattan; and brother-in-law Larry Allen and wife Janet, of Lawrence; sister-in-law Alice Allen and brother-in-law Darrell Harkness and wife Norma, all of Council Grove.
Due to the Covid Pandemic, there will be a private family Celebration of Duke’s life.
Memorial contributions may be made to Morris County Hunter Education, which will be used for Outdoor Youth Events in Morris County. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.