RUSSELL W. PRATT, SR.

Russell W. Pratt, Sr., 76, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 8:45 am Thursday, October 31, 2013 at his home.Born on June 7, 1937 in Reed City, MI, he was the son of John A. and Leola (Campbell) Pratt.

Russ served in the Army from 1956 to 1959 and married Heddy Dietrich on Jan. 30, 1960 in Ft. Wayne. They had lived in Churubusco before moving to St. James City, FL in 1999. In July they moved back to Columbia City. He hauled milk from the farms to the dairy.He was a member of Wesley Chapel UMC in Churubusco. Russ was a jack of all trade and could fix anything. He was a pilot and also enjoyed deep sea fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Heddy; son, Russell W. (Chris) Pratt, Jr. of Columbia City; daughter-in-laws, Deb Pratt of Columbia City and Susan Pratt of Ft. Wayne; grandchildren, Braden (Amanda) Pratt, Amber (David Sr.) Pressler, Tiffany (Adam) Oliver and Tadd (Jessica) Pratt; and seven great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Lynn and Ronald Pratt; sisters, Bernice Sweet and Valda Grein; and brother, Gordon Pratt.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with the funeral service starting at 7 p.m. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Pratts memory to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.