Clarence J. Prather

CANFIELD-Clarence J. Prather, 79, of Canfield, passed away peacefully, Friday, April 20, 2007 at 2:45PM in his home with his family by his side after a battle with lung cancer. Clarence was born February 17, 1928 in Roxanna, Ill the son of the late Charles and Susan (McDonald) Prather. Clarence was a merchant marine and was a Veteran of the United States Navy having served on the USS James O’Hara during World War II. Clarence received the Asiatic Pacific and Victory Medals and was honorably discharged on July 29, 1946. Clarence retired on April 1, 1983 as a supervisor at General Motors Lordstown Plant. Clarence was a Mason for 53 years and a member of the Argus Lodge 545, Consistory, Aut Mori Grotto, Canfield Lions and the VFW in Zapata, TX. Clarence enjoyed the time he spent with his motor home wintering in Zapata, TX and especially the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clarence was married on July 3, 1948 to the former Carol Bluemner and she survives. Also surviving are his children Vickie (Ken) Goehring of Canfield, Michael (Charlotte) Prather of Rosharon, TX, Jane Roberts of Canfield, Cathy Kostelic of Canfield, Missy (Fred) Reebel of North Jackson, and Chrissy (Greg) Foley of Austintown; a brother Charles Prather of St. Louis, MO; ten grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. Besides his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by grandsons Kevin and Daniel Goehring, and Robbie Schell; a son-in-law Dick Roberts; five brothers; and two sisters. Dignified and caring arrangements are under the direction of the Lane Funeral Home Canfield Chapel, 65 N. Broad Street, Canfield, where family will receive friends on Monday, April 23, 2007 from 5 until 8 PM and where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MVI Hospice in Clarence’s name. The family would like to express a word of thanks to Dr. Singh and staff and Dr. Zinni for their care for Clarence. Special thanks goes out also to Debbie from MVI Hospice, his care giver, for her kindness and compassion to the family in this time of need.