Marion – Charles R. Prater, Jr., 65, of Marion passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 9:30 PM at his home.
Charles was born January 3, 1949 in Pontiac, Michigan the son of Charles R. And Marcella (Gutek) Prater, Sr.
Charlie was an avid sports fan and supporter of many local youth teams. He coached St Joseph’s church league basketball for many years. He helped coach Swamp Fox track and field. He coached little league baseball for many years as well as announcing and umpiring. He was a member of the Marion High school and SIU side line crew. Charlie announced games for almost all teams in Marion. He was a member of the Jaycees international senate and served as the National Director of Jaycees of Illinois at one time. Charlie dedicated his life to the youth of Marion.
Charlie was a member of the Knights of Columbus where he reached the title of 4th degree. He was a very loving and giving person to everybody he met. Charlie was a dedicated member of St Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Survivors include his;
Nephew – Cameron Wright and wife Elissa of Marion
Niece – Jennifer M. Sauerbrunn and husband Mark of Lenexa, Kansas
Niece – Kimberly Meade and husband Brian of Marion
Nephew – Christopher M. Wright and wife Janna of Marion
Brother-in-law – Thomas M. Wright of Marion
Two Aunts;
Betty Prater of Pana
Mary Prater of Pana
Cousin – Mary Meadows of Streator, Illinois
Great Nephews;
Braxton Wright, Devyn Wright and Bria Wright of Marion
Preceded by his Parents and Sister – Patricia Wright
A funeral mass will be Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with Monsignor Thomas Flach officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 – 8 PM at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.
For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Marion High School Athletics. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market, Marion, Illinois 62959.
Charles R. Prater, Jr.
Jan 3rd, 1949 - Jul 17th, 201414 Guestbook Messages
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Charlie will be greatly missed by the Marion Athletic Department. His many years of devotion and support has been greatly appreciated. When ever asked to help out Charlie was always there, tootsie-pops included. He will be sadly missed by all.
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I’m very sad to hear about Charlie. I worked with him for several years at Walmart. He always came to work with good spirits and a smile, especially when talking about the Salukis, Miners, or Marion athletics. He was a wonderful, kind hearted person and could make a friend with just about anyone. I’m glad that i got to know Charlie. He will definitely be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
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Last time I spoke with Charlie, I was down in Marion with my brothers going over stuff regarding our Parents (Pat & Barney Pulley), and my bride and I always went to Wal-Mart prior to checking in for the night. Charlie came over and he and I spoke off and on for over 45 minutes. Charlie had a way, of picking up anybody’s Spirits, Sure am Glad, I gave him a small hug, before I left him that night.
Godspeed Charlie Prater Jr., Welcome to your Heavenly Reward!
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Charlie will be greatly missed by Marion Wildcat Sports! For many years he worked track meets, baseball games, and football games at all levels. Charlie never expected to receive any acknowledgement. He loved sports and helping our athletes become successful. He was one-of-a-kind and genuine! Thank you Charlie!
Charlie will also be missed at St. Joseph’s Church. He was an active member! There is a special place in Heaven for Charlie! -
My condolences to your family Charlie was a good person and definitely helped me out a time or two my Sincere Condolences
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Rest in peace my dear friend of many years.Yes, I will miss you as other will also,but we know our God has better thing for you to do now.May Gods peace be with the family….
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Charlie grew up the street from my family He was a good kid who became a good man. His care for family was a gift for them. His warmth and smile was a constant whenever I saw him. God can welcome home a good son.
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Not seeing Charlie walk around the ball fields with his bag of Tootsie Pop suckers for kids of all ages will be strange. Also, when we are working the Booster tent at the football games and not seeing a $2 bill in the box, we always knew Charlie had been there when we saw those $2 bills. He will be missed by all!
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Mr. Prater’s devotion to the youth in Marion was unmatched. I knew him since the late seventies when he coached baseball with my dad. He will be missed.
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Marion athletics and all that support them have lost a friend.
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Right now the tempature is 70 degrees 88% Humidity and the Pressure is 1019.2MB right now there are no wind. At the 7th inning we will be singing Take me out to the ballgame. “Just so you know!”
This what you would hear if you attended a ballgame announced by Charlie.
Charlie will be missed. He was a good man. Bruce and I and my son Mathew helped with Church Basketball for several years. Bruce would have breakfast with him at least once a week at McDonald’s. After his heart attack he could not have bacon. Said he would still come in but not quite as often. Everytime I see a $2.00 bill I will think of him.
May the Lord wrap his arm around the family at this time. In knowing we will see him again one day! Rest in peace Charlie. -
Sorry to hear of Charlies passing. We worked together at Wal mart for several years and also worked together in the church league for years. Charlie did so much for so many people and never asked for anything in return. He will be missed.
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Please accept our sympathy as the passing of Charles. He was a very dedicated person to many causes: church, community, esp. the youth and their sports programs. He was AN Organizer, from his earliest years. He will be missed.
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I am so sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. He was a great man, full of love an commitment to his community and region. He is a friend always. We are richer for having known Charlie, and we are poorer for his leaving us.