Lyman S. Prater

Lyman S. Prater, age 89, of Toledo, passed away Thursday March 3, 2011 at Swan Creek Care Center. He was born March 9, 1921 in Crocker, Missouri, to Claude and Etta Prater. Lyman graduated from the University of Chicago in 1948 with a Masters degree in Business Administration. He also attended the College of Emporia, Northwestern University and Harvard. He was a veteran of the US Navy, serving at Guadalcanal in World War II and also in Korea. He was discharged as Lieutenant Commander and then served in the Naval Reserves for many years after. Lyman was employed at Ohio Plate Glass as a controller and assistant treasurer for 28 years, retiring in 1990. Since 1955, he was an active member of First Congregational Church serving on the Board of Trustees and as church moderator. He was also active in many organizations including the National Association of Accountants now the Management Accountants Association, serving on the board for 10 years including one year as president in 1990. Lyman was a lifetime member and served on the board for the Reserve Officers Association, the Military Officers Association of America and the Navy League. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 335 and a member of Toledo Elks Lodge 53. Lyman also was a Mobile Meals volunteer for many years and traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and at least 30 countries in Europe and South America. Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty Dreyer Prater and son Kenneth Prater, he is survived by his children Nancy David Emrick, of Perrysburg, Sue Mike Buescher, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Ron Jeanne Prater, of Grand Rapids, Ohio; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and brother, Ralph Prater. Friends will be received at the Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey on Sunday from 2-8 pm. Memorial Services will be held Monday at 11 am in First Congregational Church 2315 Collingwood, Toledo, Ohio 43620. Interment will be private. The family suggests memorials to the church or the American Diabetes Association, 30200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 105, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com