Elliott Prater, Jr., 78, passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 11:37 p.m. at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

He was born on Jan. 7, 1943, in Amba, (Floyd County) Kentucky, to the late Elliott and Josephine Mae (Tackett) Prater, Sr.  On Oct. 20, 1964, Elliott first married Barbara Lowery, she preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 2019. 

On Dec. 27, 1985, he married the love of his life Wilma (Adkins) Spradlin and she survives in Alger.  

Elliott retired in 2002 from Meritor Rockwell in Kenton after working for 30 years.  He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving from 1960 to 1964. He was a member of the Victory Center Church, Wapakoneta. Elliott liked gardening, working in the yard and was a hobby farmer. He was a wonderful man, excellent husband and loved his family. Elliott was a faithful servant of God, Family and Country.

Also surviving are his two daughters: Teresa (Kevin McCurdy) Leigh of Coshocton and Melissa (Dwayne Seese) Prater of Kenton; three sons: John Spradlin of Bellefontaine; bonus sons: Raymond (LeAnn) Pryor of Ada and David Pryor of Kenton; two grandchildren: Eland (Britney) Leigh and Braeden Leigh; a bonus grandchild, Wesley Pryor; a brother, Edward (Darlene) Prater of Botkins; and four sisters: Rheeta (Wally Schooler) Burrell of Lima, Irene Lane of Worthington, Christine Parr of Kenton and Jerri Lewis of Foraker. 

Elliott was preceded in death by his son, Robert J. Spradlin; two brothers: Wayne Prater and Charles Prater; four sisters: Wanda Hicks, Betty Holbrook, Kathleen Aab and Audrey Moseley; a bonus grandson, Shane Pryor.

Attendance will be limited at the funeral and visitation based on space to accommodate social distancing requirements. Face coverings must be worn while attending visitation and service. 

Private family services will be held at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger, with Pastor Tony Shaw officiating.  Burial will be in McDonald-Fairview Cemetery, Kenton with graveside military honors conducted by the Ada VFW Post #9381 and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. 

The funeral service for Elliott will be live streamed on the Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services Facebook Page beginning onTuesday, March 23, at 11 a.m.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 22, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Victory Center Church, Wapakoneta, Ohio.