Obituary of Dr. Charles Edward Pratt

On Tuesday, April 6th, 2021, Dr. Charles E. Pratt “Doc,” 89, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom he served his entire life. Charles was born in Gainesville, Florida on January 20th, 1932 to Joseph and Cathalene Pratt. He was the third of four children. As a child, he moved with his family to Toledo, where he eventually graduated from DeVilbis High School and the University of Toledo before earning his Doctor of Medicine degree at The Ohio State University in 1956. His career path began by serving the Papago Indian Reservation in Arizona, where he worked for the Department of the Interior as a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Coast Guard. He became a resident at Akron City Hospital from 1959-1962 and served as chief resident during some of that time. He went on to establish his private practice in 1962 and remained an influential cornerstone in local healthcare for the following 50 years, serving in capacities such as Summa’s Medical Director for Quality Improvement as well as the Chairman of Summa’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Department. Dr. Pratt was devoted to education, whether teaching medical students at Summa or NEOUCOM, or Sunday school regularly and often speaking to the congregation. He faithfully served as a board member for Falls First Assembly of God for many years as well as a representative for Light For The Lost, a missions project dedicated to getting Bibles and printed materials to people around the world. It would be nearly impossible to list his accomplishments in their entirety, and he accepted each of them with humility and a renewed sense of duty. During his time at OSU, he developed a passion for his beloved Buckeyes and for decades was seen at the “Shoe", cheering on the scarlet and gray, rain or shine. Names like Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin, Cornelius Green, and Pete Johnson were often heard by those closest to him, as well as an occasional reference to some “team up north” whose name doesn’t matter. Through the years, Charles accompanied countless friends and family to more games than anyone could remember, saw Archie Griffin win two! Heisman trophies, and he was never, ever late for the band. Dr. Pratt was born with a true servant’s heart, and he passionately cared for all people throughout his entire life. He worked countless long hours but invariably had more of himself to give to his family and church when the day was done. He was always available, even at three o’clock in the morning, for sound medical advice or a word of encouragement. He was gentle, kind, and generous. He frequently humbled himself out of gentlemanly compassion but was never afraid to checkmate his opponent or play that two-letter word worth 33 points. He is survived by Betty, his beloved wife of 65 years, children David (Reneé), Donald, Eric, Wesley, Amy, and Laura (Joey), sister Cathy (Marne), grandchildren Shannon (Todd), Rachelle (Charlie), Jessica, Brandon, Mackenzie, Thomas, Stephanie (Brandon), Elizabeth, Henry, and Lily, as well as many great-grandkids and still counting. He is preceded in death by his brother Donald, sister Margaret “Peggy,” and his grandson Lawrence. Thank you, Dad, for 40 plus trips to Cedar Point, vacations every year and more gifts under the Christmas tree than we could ever remember. Your generosity and devotion to creating memories for those close to you will never be forgotten. You will be sorely missed, Dad, Chuck, “Doc,” Charlie, grandpa, and great-grandpa, but we know with joy in our hearts that we will see you again! Services will be held on Friday, April 16th at Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Road, Stow, Ohio, 44224. Calling hours are 5 to 7 PM, and will be followed immediately by a memorial service. All are welcome.