Reverend John S. Prater

November 8, 2011

The Reverend John (Jack) S. Prater, 77, of Jesse Road, Plymouth Township, died peacefully at home with his devoted wife, Ingrid, at his side on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Born January 14, 1934, in Forty Fort, he was a son of the late Willard and Elizabeth Gibbs Prater. He graduated from Forty Fort High School in 1951, and in 1955, obtained a bachelor's degree from Wilkes College, where Jack met his wife, the former Ingrid Forck. They would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on November 23, 2011. The Rev. Prater furthered his studies at the Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Va., and was ordained in 1958. He first served Episcopal parishes in both Saint Clair and Minersville. In 1962, he returned to the Wyoming Valley with his family and became the rector of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, Dallas, where he faithfully served the parish for 35 years. Upon retirement in 1997, The Rev. Prater was named Rector Emeritus. The Prince of Peace congregation honored him by naming the community room after him in June of 2011. During his retirement, Jack was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, and he enjoyed attending the many activities of his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of Grace Episcopal Church, Kingston. The Rev. Prater was active in various committees within the Diocese of Bethlehem and the Back Mountain Ministerium. He and his wife, Ingrid, were active in the Prison Ministry at the State Correctional Institution, Dallas, since 1978. Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, Ingrid, are children, Debbie Chapman, Larksville; Dr. John M. and his wife, Susan, Dallas; Scott W. and his wife, Cathy, Shavertown; brother, The Rev. Willard Prater and his wife, Phyllis, Thomason, Maine; sister, Elizabeth Hough and her husband, The Rev. George, Holidaysburg; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Wallis Room at Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Butler St., Kingston, with a memorial service at 11 a.m. The Rev. John F. Hartman will officiate. The family extends an invitation to a luncheon, at the church, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 30 Butler St., Kingston, PA 18704, or to Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 420 Main St., Dallas, PA 18612. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hugh B. Hughes & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1044 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort.