Thomas Lee "Tommy" Prater

New Middletown - Thomas Lee "Tommy" Prater, 64, of New Middletown passed on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Hospice House. Tom was born December 19, 1943 in Yards, Virginia, a son of Irvy and Mattie "Helen" Noel Prater. He moved to this area in 1951 from Yards, Virginia. He was the former owner of Prater's Auction Service. Before owning the auction service, he was employed by Kenmar Manufacturing. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. Tom was also a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Unity Volunteer Fire Department. He leaves his wife, the former Susan Stanyard, whom he married June 29, 2002; two daughters, Shelly Prater and her fiancé, Alfonso Toro, both of East Palestine and Kelly (Lance) Prater-Whitmore of Newnan, Georgia; two sisters, Kathleen (Harry) Wilson of New Waterford and Joye (Vernon) Norman of Gallatin, Tennessee; a granddaughter, Alaina Whitmore; a grandson, Derek Whitmore; a step-daughter, Melissa "Missy" (Frank) Ieropoli of Lisbon; three step-sons, Thomas "Tommy" (Pam) Faust of Mishawaka, Indiana, Timothy "Tim" Faust of South Bend, Indiana, and Todd (Sherrie Evans) Faust of Kansas City, Kansas; three step-granddaughters, Taylor Ieropoli, Chelsea Johnson, and Cassie Faust; two step-grandsons, Christopher George and Hunter Toro; his mother-in-law, Martha Stanyard, whom he loved dearly; and eight nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Buster "Buck" Prater; and his sister, Shirley Ridling. There are no calling hours or services. Arrangements are being handled by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, Struthers. The family requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, Ohio, 44514. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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