Keith Oliver Pratt, aged 95, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at his cherished farm east of Birmingham, Iowa. Funeral services in honor of his remarkable life will commence at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, officiated by Pastor Danny Cary. Following the service, the burial will take place at the Dibble Cemetery, located south of Stockport. A luncheon for family and friends will be hosted at the Stockport American Legion Hall after the burial. Guests are invited to join the family. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home, with the family
available to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Keith’s honor may be directed to the Dibble Cemetery Association or to the Stockport American Legion. To join the webcast or share online condolences visit
www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Born on August 1, 1928, in a farm house near Stockport, Keith was the son of the late Worthy Pratt and Ethel Vera Harper. He graduated from the one-room country school south of Utica, and bravely served his country during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Corporal. Keith’s service was marked by distinction, earning him a Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and a United Nations Service Medal. His valor was further honored by his participation in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in September 2012.
Keith embarked on his professional journey as a farmhand in Van Buren County before establishing his own farm east of Birmingham in 1969. In addition to his farming endeavors, he worked at Chain & Cable and later at Rockwell in Fairfield until his retirement in 1995. Keith’s dedication to his work and his family was unparalleled, a testament to his unwavering work ethic and selflessness.
On September 9, 1956, Keith married the love of his life, Donna Lue McCracken, at the Bonaparte United Methodist Church. Their bond
endured over six decades, marked by the joys of raising a family and creating countless cherished memories. Keith’s devotion to his family was his guiding light, providing unwavering support and encouragement throughout their lives.
An active member of his community, Keith served with pride as a member of the American Legion in Stockport for over 70 years and as a deacon of the Birmingham First Presbyterian Church. He and Donna shared a passion for square dancing, spreading joy through their love for dance. Keith’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, reflected in his active involvement with the First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham and later the Fairfield First Christian Church.
Beyond his commitments, Keith found joy in various hobbies, including amateur bowling, puzzle-solving, and enjoying the classics like the Lawrence Welk show and big band music. He was a dedicated partner to Donna, assisting her in crafting rag rugs and quilts, and maintaining their farm with diligence and care.
Keith will be remembered as a man of remarkable character, embodying traits of selflessness, passion, and love. His legacy of hard work, dedication to family, and service to his community will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Keith is preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 66 years, Donna Pratt. He is survived by their children, Allen (Elise) Pratt of Lemont, IL, Cindy (Ancel) Kennedy of Truro, IA, Brenda (David) Keith of Menlo, GA, Nancy Pratt of Menlo, GA, Marvin Pratt (Kerry Yeast) of Cedar Rapids, IA, and AFS student, Ugur Dalbeler of Istanbul, Turkey. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Keith was predeceased by his siblings, Maxine Issacson, Margery Martin, Virginia Hooper, Darrell Pratt, and Barbra Holmes.
