Meredith “Mert” Prater

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Visitation:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
11:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Secor Funeral Home
202 W. Maple St.
Willard, OH 44890

Service:
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
1:00 PM
Secor Funeral Home
202 W. Maple St.
Willard, OH 44890

Meredith “Mert” Prater, age 91, of Willard, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was born in Floyd County, Kentucky, on May 27, 1935, to the late Dan and Hala Mae (Reffitt) Prater. Mert proudly served in the U.S. Army and was stationed overseas in Korea during the Korean War. He retired from Pioneer Balloon in maintenance. After retirement, he worked as a guard at Guardian. He enjoyed racing, gardening, fishing, listening to bluegrass music, and fixing things. Most of all, Mert loved his family and loved being a grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren.

Meredith is survived by his son, Brian (Linda) Prater; grandchildren, Stacy (Paul) Gardner and Brad (Morgan) Prater; and great-grandchildren, Vivienne Vanderpool, Kamdyn Vanderpool, Ashtyn Gardner, Tatum Prater, Tenley Prater, and Teagan Prater; sister, Hala Mae Hale; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Alice “Fay” (Howell) Prater, whom he married on February 25, 1956; a brother, Dallas (Isola) Prater Sr.; and a brother-in-law, John Henry Hale.

Visitation will be held at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 from 11:00 AM until the time of his funeral service at 1:00 PM with Pastor James Pomerich officiating. Burial will follow at Centerton Cemetery in Willard, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice or Willard Church of Nazarene. Online condolences may be made to Meredith’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.