Charles A. Pratt

PRATT, Charles Alan age 55
of Kalamazoo Chuck died July 14, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer that lasted longer than expected. But then, Chuck lived his life as a competitor, and he always did things his way. Born July 31, 1955 in Battle Creek, MI, Chuck excelled in athletics. He quarterbacked the Climax-Scotts High football team and led the best basketball team in school history to the state quarterfinals as a senior in 1973. He went on to play basketball for Kellogg Community College. On June 16, 1989, he was united in marriage to Meredith "Moby" Robbert. Chuck was a natural salesman who spent 22 years working in the telecommunications industry, operating his own company for eight of those years. Throughout his career, he continued to coach and play sports, sharing his love for them with his four children and countless youths in the Kalamazoo area. In all, Chuck coached 16 years of rocket football. He and some of his Climax teammates started a youth basketball program in that community. He was loved by many for his passion and service on the field and court. And he was known for his feats. Dribbling a basketball for miles as a passenger in a moving automobile. Making a perm look cool in the 1980s. Conducting one-sided political arguments. And finding fun in everything. Even in the nearly two years of battling cancer with all of his will and might, Chuck was able to make people smile and laugh. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Meredith "Moby" Pratt; four children Charles Pratt II, Casey Pratt, Evan Pratt and Carly Pratt; mother, Phyllis Pratt; sisters, Susan Tom Rexrode and Mary Andy Robinson; brother, Bill Sue Pratt; a granddaughter, Maya; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William Pratt. Memorial services for Chuck will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday at Southridge Reformed Church, 6726 Texas Drive, with his cousin, Rev. Philip Courtright officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 PM on Sunday today and 5-8 PM on Monday tomorrow at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed/payable to, First Community Federal Credit Union, a fund designated to his children's education but mailed in c/o to the Langeland Funeral Home, 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.