Obituary of Tom Prater

Tom J. Prater, 59, of Zion, IL died on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. He was born May 17, 1954 in Waukegan. Tom was a member of First Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor, IL. He worked for Ocean Spray Cranberry Co. in Kenosha, WI, retiring after 35 years and later drove for USA Taxi in Zion. He enjoyed bowling, was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a Chicago Bears fan, and recently began enjoying scooters and motor bikes. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Brenda; children Laura (Justin Zickovich) Prater and Tammy (Robert Witherspoon) Prater both of Zion, IL and Billy Prater and Bruce Prater both of Kenosha, WI; three grandchildren Justin T. Zickovich, Devin Coofer, and Trayvon Witherspoon; and siblings Ruby Prater, Mary Bowman, Tina (Roger) Swann, John Prater, Joe Prater, Jack Prater, and Jimmy (Margaret) Prater Jr. He was preceded in death by one sister Alice Prater; and his parents James Sr. and Emojean Prater. Visitation will be Saturday, April 19, 2014, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 3001 9th Street, Winthrop Harbor, IL, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Michael Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the family have been suggested.