Born in Canton, Pa. Oct. 4, 1932, Charles Richard, “Dick” to family and friends, was a son of the late Leland Daniel and Anna Elora (Dexter) Pratt. He grew up on the family’s dairy farm in Granville Township. Dick graduated from Troy High School in 1951 where he was active in the Future Farmers of America. On Oct. 11, 1953, he married the former Joyce Dunbar in the Bakersburg Community Church. Richard possessed a strong work ethic all his life.
In addition to the daily operations of the Pratt Family Dairy, he also worked at Canton’s Swayze Folding Box Company for several years before working as a perk tester for Tioga County, Pa. In his early years, Dick found his calling by dedicating his life in service to the Lord. He was an active member of the former East Granville Baptist Church, serving in many church offices including deacon and later as pastor. More recently, Dick was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Canton.