Charles R. Prater, Jr., active youth sports and civic leader, was born on January 3, 1949 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Charles R. Prater Sr. and Marcella (Gutek) Prater.

Early in the 1950’s, the Prater family moved to Marion and later purchased a home at 419 Charlotte Road. Charles’ father managed Sherman’s Department store on the square in Marion, while Charles Jr. attended Catholic seminary in his youth.

Charles was active in the Marion Jaycees, holding several local offices and participating in numerous community service projects held by the club in the 1970’s and 1980’s.  He was also a member of the Jaycees International Senate and served as the Nation Director of Jaycees of Illinois during that period. Continue reading →