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 Oregon, Ohio to start work. White would work for Nickel Plate Railroad for 41 years, eventually retiring as an engineer for the Norfolk-Southern Railroad. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

White is survived by his children, sons Michael (Jewell) Prater, Dennis (Roxanne McDaniel) Prater, and David (Twila) Prater; daughters, Lois (David) Allen, 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, Windle Prater, Danny Prater, and Pereice Prater; and sisters, Laura Lois (Prater) Lacourse and Ethel (Prater) Powers.

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. Memorial donations in White’s honor can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

A future visitation will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S Wynn Rd in Oregon, Ohio, followed by a funeral service at the chapel the following day. Interment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, 3665 Genoa Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Please check back for an updated date and time in the week to come.