Dr. John Carl Pratt DVM's Obituary
Obituary for Dr. John Carl Pratt, DVM
April 29, 1940 – May 21, 2025
Dr. John Carl Pratt, DVM, of Lawrence County, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025,
at the age of 85. A devoted farmer, veterinarian, community leader, and beloved family man,
John lived a life marked by service, compassion, and a deep connection to the land and animals
he cared for.
Born on April 29, 1940, John grew up with strong Appalachian roots and a deep appreciation for
hard work and community. He began his education at Getaway Elementary—a one-room
schoolhouse at the time—and later graduated from Chesapeake High School in 1958. He went on
to attend Marshall University, where he was a member of ROTC and was honored as the
Outstanding Cadet. After two years, he transferred to The Ohio State University and graduated
from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1967.
Dr. Pratt used his knowledge of veterinary medicine to serve many families and farmers
throughout the region with expertise, empathy, and dedication. His work touched the lives of
many, and his legacy as a healer and advocate for animal welfare will be long remembered.
While Dr. Pratt valued his time as a practicing veterinarian, he devoted his life to the continuing
operation of the family dairy farm, a generational endeavor that he helped sustain with his father
and sons for over one hundred years.
Beyond his professional life, John gave back to his community through service on the board of
the Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District, where he worked to protect and
preserve the natural resources of the area he loved so much. He later received the Cooperator of
Year Award for his improvements to Pratt’s farm through the district. He also served as a board
member of Buckeye Rural Electric for eighteen years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Edra (Lynd) Pratt, and his beloved son,
William Pratt.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susie (Miller) Pratt, and their children David and Crissy
(Payne) Pratt, Edward and Trena (Williams) Pratt, Paul Pratt and Alisha Staley. He also leaves
behind nine cherished grandchildren: Carly Pratt, Sidney Pratt, Hannah Pratt, Hayley Pratt,
Rachel Pratt, Allie Malavenda (Pratt), Natalie Pratt, Eli Pratt, and Isabelle Pratt.
John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many members of the
community who knew him. His quiet strength, tireless work ethic, and boundless kindness will
remain an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Schneider Hall Funeral Home, Chesapeake, Ohio. Burial will follow in Pratt Family Cemetery, South Point, Ohio. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service 12 p.m. to 1p.m. Tuesday, May 27, also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations
be made to local animal shelters or conservation organizations in Dr. Pratt’s memory.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
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