Michael Pratt

Michael Pratt, 82, of Winter Springs, Florida, the son of Edwin and Lois Pratt, was born May 28, 1943, in Burlington.

He grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School. He then attended the University of Iowa, receiving a bachelor of science degree in medical technology. In 1967, he married Susan Boyle, and the couple had four children.

In 1966, he became a commissioned officer in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Navy, beginning with the rank of ensign.

He served a total of 24 years as a naval officer, ending with the rank of captain. During his naval career, he received a scholarship to attend graduate school and graduated from Georgia State University with a master of science in clinical laboratory administration.

His duty stations included the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland; the Naval Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina; the Naval Support Activity Hospital in Da Nang, South Vietnam; the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California; the Navy ROTC Unit at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia; the Naval Hospital in Orlando, Florida; and finishing his career as the commanding officer of the Naval Drug Screening Laboratory in Jacksonville, Florida.

During service in Vietnam, he received the Navy Bronze Star with combat "V." He retired from the Navy in 1990 and accepted a position with Central Florida Blood Bank as executive vice president, technical services. He worked for the blood bank for another 24 years, retiring as the CEO.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; their four children, Mark, Amy (Brandon), Mary (Todd), Steve (Denise); and three grandchildren, Hannah, Emily and Luke.