William MacArthur Bratton Sr.

William "Bill" MacArthur Bratton Sr. passed away on October 26, 2026 at the age of 84 in Pratt, Kansas surrounded by family and loved ones. Bill was born on August 3, 1942 in Townsend, Delaware to Abraham and Mildred (Gonize). Early in life, Bill's parents passed away and Roy "Sonny" and Ann Collier fostered him, with their son Michael "Mike" of Delaware.

In 1959, as a junior in high school, Bill went to basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He then went to training for Military specialty equipment and was then stationed in Bad Hersfeld, Germany from 1960-1963. He returned to the Delaware National Guard to finish his 6-year obligation, where he was sent to Ft. Carson, Colorado in 1964, Camp Kissler in Korea in 1965, and Kirch-Göns, Germany in 1966 where he remained until his return to the United States in 1969.

While Stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, Bill went bar hopping in Salina and met Beatrice "Bea” Ann (Krause), a Salina Beauty School attendee. Bill and Bea married on February 8th, 1970 and started a family by bringing their four children into the world; Renee, Bill Jr., Monica, and Regina.

During his ten years in civilian life, Bill worked as a mechanic for dealerships in the Hay and Phillipsburg, Kansas area. In 1980 he returned to the Army Reserves in Hays, Kansas and then served in many units based all over Kansas: Augusta, Topeka, Russell, Manhattan. Bill finished his working career at M.A.T.E.S. (Maneuver Area Training Equipment) Site on Fort Riley, Kansas where he retired after 32 years with the Army and the National Guard combined.

Bill was a very knowledgeable mechanic and received many awards for outstanding mechanics, specialty equipment, top training, and certification. One of his final tasks in the Kansas National Guard was to deliver old unworking tanks to public parks and sites throughout Kansas. He loved his country and was always proud to serve.

Bill is survived by his three daughters; Renee (Eddie) Williams of Killeen, Texas, Monica Bratton and her partner David of Pratt, Kansas, and Regina Bratton of Manhattan, Kansas; grandchildren Samantha, Justin, and Austin Williams all of Killeen, Texas, Lucas (Kellsie) Baker of Seattle, Washington, Nathaniel Baker, Jackson Baker, and Luhan Swarts all of Pratt, Kansas, Emmanuel and Cody Craddock of Manhattan, Kansas; great-grandson Michael, and all the friends that called him grandpa over the years.

Bill was preceded in death by his son William MacArthur Bratton Jr. in 2013 and his loving wife Bea Bratton in 2014.

A graveside service with military honors will take place at 10:00am on Friday, November 6, 2026 at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery, 5181 Wildcat Creek Road Manhattan, Kansas 66503. A luncheon will follow at the Kansas National Guard Armory located at 721 Levee Dr, Manhattan, KS 66502.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses. 

Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his country and family that will continue his legacy of love and loyalty for generations to come.