John Pratt

John C. Pratt, 87, of Mansfield, died October 3, 2014. Born May 25, 1927 in Oklahoma City, OK, he was the son of Alex and Bertha (Smith) Pratt. An Army veteran, John made his career in the military. From the Omaha beach invasion to the Korean War and Vietnam War, John was active in them all. He served as a Gunner on a Navy craft, worked on the Signal Core, and was a Cryptographer in France after the wars ended. He went on to attend The Ohio State University and in 1966, he learned and taught computer repair at Fort Monmouth Base in New Jersey. John also worked as a Forest Ranger in Washington State.

A loyal and dedicated man, John was kind hearted and generous. He was an excellent caregiver to the love of his life, Virginia Pratt, and cherished his family and pets more than anytyhing. In his free time, John loved to play chess, all the way up to the last few months of his life.

The family would like to give credit to the staff at the Ohio Veteran's Home and Stein Hospice for the amazing support and care that was given to John.

Surviving are his daughter, Shereen (Kenny) Hammett of Mansfield; grandson, John (Carolyn) Hammett of LaGrange; great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Hammett who loved and adored her great-grandpa; brother, Bill (Pauline) Pratt of Fresno, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia Pratt; two sisters; and two brothers.

A military graveside service conducted by Rev. Paul Lintern and the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Squad will be held on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Mansfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice.