White Prater

White Prater, 97, of Toledo, Ohio passed away February 21, 2026 at 3:05 p.m. at home surrounded by his loving children and friends. Born Elijah White Prater to Charlie and Roxie (Allen) Prater on May 29, 1928 in Salyersville, Magoffin County, Kentucky. At the age of 18, Nickel Plate Railroad came through his hometown and gave him a ticket to start work, moving on to Norfolk and Southern Railroad for a total of 41 years, retiring as an engineer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

White is survived by his children, Michael (Jewell) Prater, David (Twila) Prater, Lois (David) Allen, Dennis (Roxanne McDaniel) Prater, and Carolyn (Robbie) Steel. He is the proud Papaw of 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 28 great-great grandchildren spanning five generations. He is preceded in death by his parents; wives, Irene Roselee (Etts) Prater, Jean (Kinney) Prater and June (Carter) Prater; sons, Johnny Ray Prater, Charles Edward Prater Sr, White Benjamin Prater, and Gary Brower; brothers Roosevelt Prater, Lacy Prater, Pereice Prater, Ezra Prater, Windle Prater, and Danny Prater; and sisters, Ethel (Prater) Powers and Laura Lois (Prater) Lacourse. The family would like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio and a special thank you to hospice nurse Lindsey and aid Anna for taking such wonderful care of their father.

Family and friends may visit at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Road, Oregon, Ohio 43616, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held the following day at the chapel on March 6, 2026 beginning at 11 a.m. with an hour of visitation from 10:00 a.m. to time of service. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations in White’s honor can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.