Delmar PraterDelmar Prater, 81, of Rochester, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022, in Goshen, surrounded by his family.
Delmar was born Jan. 24, 1941, in Brainard, Floyd County, Ky., the son of John and Lucy Mae Manuel Prater and they preceded him in death. Delmar married Elva Mae Fannin in Laketon, on Nov. 17, 1962.
He served in the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division 5th Special Forces in Vietnam. He worked 30-plus years and retired from Tyler Machinery/Warsaw Machinery. He was a hard worker, could fix anything, enjoyed fishing, bird watching, working on his CNC router, computers and loved most of all spending time with his family. He was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Elva Prater, of Rochester; three sons: James (Brenda) Prater, of Warsaw; Bobby (Kathryn) Prater, of Grand Ledge, Mich.; and Kevin (Sarah) Prater, of Akron; grandchildren: Joshua (Brittany) Prater, Matraca (Andrew) Thrasher, Zachary Prater (fiancée Kelsey Linder), Alexandria Prater, Addison Prater, Dakota Prater and Zach Webb; great-grandchildren: Warren Thrasher and Cecilia DiVaccaro; and four brothers: Hebert, Mander, Wilbur and John Prater.
Delmar was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Amon, William; two sisters: Oma Jean, Thelma; and granddaughter, Mirissa DiVaccaro.
Private family services will take place. The interment will be in the Sycamore Cemetery, Mentone, with military honors.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
Memorial contributions can be given to the donor's choice.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
