Eldon Ray Prater, age 82, of Mt. Victory, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 3, 1940, in Alger, Ohio to the late Tracy and Edythe (Dotson) Prater. On April 3, 1960, Eldon married Helen M. Dunson and she preceded him in death on May 7, 2018.

Eldon is also survived by his two daughters: Shari Jo Prater of West Mansfield and Gina (David) Roth of Bellefontaine; two grandchildren: Amber Foulk and Sallie (Matt) Kohan; seven great grandchildren: Aundrea, Kaiden, Jaylinn, Emma, Lily, Briar and Rhiya; two brothers: Ted Prater, and Jerry (Joyce) Prater; three sisters: Lois (Ken) Fetherolf, Vellaree Sue Loomis, and Denise (Frank) Sanborn; many nieces and nephews; also Cathy Dummitt and Terri Lamb who he considered his daughters.    

He was preceded in death by a great grandchild, Jolecia Marie Foulk; three brothers: Wayne, Wilmer Lee “Speed”, and Dennis Prater; and two sisters: Shirley Prater, and Terry Masi.

Eldon retired from Ford Motor Company after working for thirty-six and half years.  He then worked for World Class Plastics as a delivery driver for nine years.  He was a graduate of Kenton High School.  He was a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1963-1964 in Korea.  Eldon was a member of the Flatbranch Church of Christ for sixty-two years.  He bowled on league teams in Bellefontaine for forty-five years.  Eldon was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger.  Burial will be in McDonald-Fairview Cemetery, Kenton with graveside military honors conducted by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Ada VFW Post #9381 Honor Guard.  The funeral service for Eldon will be live streamed on the Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services Facebook Page beginning on Friday, August 5th at 11:00 AM.

Visitation will begin 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Alger and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.   

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.