Melvin Pratt, Sr.

Melvin Pratt, Sr., 84, of Springfield, died at 9:31 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at St. John's Hospital. Melvin was born July 3, 1924 in Monticello, KY, the son of James T. and Addie Jones Pratt. He married Mary Morton. Melvin was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during both WWII and Korea. He was employed at Fiat Allis as a machine shop and crane operator for thirty-one years until his retirement in 1977. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Augusta (Lawson) Pratt; four sons, James David, Dennis Ray and Melvin, Jr. Pratt and David Johnson; one daughter, Caroline Sue Pratt; his parents; eight brothers; and three sisters. He is survived by his wife, Mary Michelle Morton Pratt of Springfield; two sons, Gary Wayne Pratt and Terry Lee Pratt both of Springfield; two daughters, Connie Sue Skelton of Petersburg and Cheryl White of Missouri; and several grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 11:00 11:45 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will follow visitation at 12:00 p.m. with Scott Brindley officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.