PEORIA - Charles Eldon Pratt, 88, of Peoria passed away at 6:33 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at his residence in Peoria. 

He was born Dec. 29, 1922, in Kickapoo, Ill., to Charles Elmer Pratt and Cecelia (Gilles) Pratt. He married Rosemary Wytcherley on Aug. 19, 1950, and together they had six children. 

He graduated from Brimfield High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the escort carrier the USS Daniel T. Griffin.  Charles returned home to continue his employment with Hiram Walker, working in the barrel house for over 40 years, retiring in 1981 with the plant closing. 

Charles was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for over 49 years and enjoyed the fellowship and support available there, often stating that it saved his life. He and his family are forever grateful.

The family would like to thank OSF Hospice, especially Ro and Mary Jo, and also his caregivers, Marcy, Molly and Cetina.

Charles enjoyed ballroom dancing as well as league bowling.

He is survived by his children, Barbara Pratt (fiance Joe Wojtesky), Rebecca (Phil) England, Charles (Teri) Pratt, Therese Dismang (fiance Steve Bivins), Julie (Dave) Gyorkos and John (Julie) Pratt; and his loving friend and companion, Mae Moore. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Charles, Shonna, Sara, Holly, Heather, Daniel, Adrienne, April, Christopher, Katelyn, Jonathon, David and Noah; as well as 12 great-grandchildren, Chaylynn, Chaise, Amiah, Alexis, Drew, Elijah, Elaina, Autumn, Edwin, Reed, Hannah and Liliana; and one stepgreat-grandchild, Hannah. He is also survived by three sisters, Irene Westefer, Sister Lorraine Pratt and Valeria Grieves.

Charles was preceded in death by two brothers, Norbert and John; two sisters, Evelyn and Lucille; one granddaughter, Linnea; and his son-in-law, Raymond Dismang.

He was a longtime member of St. Ann's Parish in Peoria and later in life also regularly attended St. Mary's in Canton.

He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, companion, and friend with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Peoria. Father Anthony Lajato and Father Terry Cassidy will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel with a rosary at 6 p.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Kickapoo.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society .