Thomas Lynn Prater, 71, of DeGraff, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 22, 2021.
He was born on May 5, 1949 in Bellefontaine, and raised in DeGraff. Tom was the only son of the late Jack and Louise “Betsy” Prater. Tom is survived by eight sisters: Kathy (Gary) McCulla of West Liberty, Joanne (Greg) Campbell of Quincy, Connie (Allen) Yutzy of Plain City, Linda (Steve) Brautigam of Quincy, Terry Prater of DeGraff, Sharon (Darrell) Heaberlin of DeGraff, Peg (Mike) Cook of West Liberty, and Jackie Prater of DeGraff.
Tom attended and graduated from Riverside High School in DeGraff, Ohio in 1967.
In 1972, he married the late Darlene Brinkman. They had two children, Kimberly (Rich) Pickering of Urbana, and Michael (Tanya) Prater of Springfield.
In 1984, he married Vicki (Fredericks). Tom shared in raising her two sons: Brison (Ginger) Allmon of Bellefontaine, and Keenan Reames of Columbus.
Tom was employed with Hirschfeld Agri-Service of DeGraff from 1969-1985. He then worked for Honda of America (Marysville, Ohio) from 1985-2019. He retired from his position as Coordinator in the Weld Engineering Dept. in March of 2019.
Tom was a past member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bellefontaine Ohio. He also held membership with the Miami Grange in DeGraff Ohio.
Tom enjoyed many interests. Watching the NASCAR races on TV, keeping busy in his garage with woodworking projects, handing out nicknames for everyone, growing morning glories, and a special love for our rescue Chihuahuas.
His greatest enjoyment came from being a grandfather of seven: Rachel and Andrew Pickering, Hailey Prater, Quinn and Ross Allmon, and Braydon and Samantha Rice. Tom loved his family deeply. His legacy to them was to remember the importance of their last name, a name to be proud of. Be respectful and others will mirror that. Most of all don’t lie. Liars won’t be successful in the end.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 26, at Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes Street, DeGraff. Robert Garrett will officiate a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 27, at the funeral with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow in Philadelphia Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations would be appreciated to go to the His Hands Extended Pet Sanctuary 1560 Dialton Rd. St. Paris Ohio 43072, or Universal Home Health & Hospice, 921 Rush Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.
Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, DeGraff, is honored to serve the Prater family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.