Dr. John Carl Pratt DVM

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.

Dr. John Carl Pratt DVM

April 29, 1940 - May 21, 2025