Michael James Pratt
Michael James Pratt, 65 of Tipton died Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at his residence. He was born in Tipton on July 7, 1957 to Edward James “Jim” and “Mary” Katherine (McNew) Pratt. Mike married Kimberly Harvey on November 2, 1991; she survives.
Mike was a 1976 graduate of Tipton High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was very involved in the public safety arena beginning with his Emergency Medical Technician skills with Young-Nichols Funeral Home, Porter Funeral Home, Rural Metro Ambulance, Leatherman-Morris Funeral Home and Seals Ambulance. Later he was a paid operator for the Cicero Township Fire Department, volunteered at Wayne Township Fire Department and progressed to the position of Chief for Wildcat Volunteer Fire Department.
He worked with first aid at Ruoff Music Center and White River music events. He had worked at the Tipton County Jail and Hamilton County Jail. Mike held many certifications throughout his EMS and fire service years – too many to count. He also taught many classes to firefighters and EMT’s and he himself attended many classes and seminars. Mike was always willing to work somewhere part-time, help with a training or even volunteer his time.
Most recently he fielded emergency calls for several years as a dispatcher at the Tipton County 911 Center. Everyone knew when “Pratt” was dispatching on night shift. His sarcastic humor and occasional laughs on the radio told you it was him. One thing he knew well was Tipton County; where to send someone in an emergency and who was needed. He had a wonderful 911 team and lots of brothers and sisters throughout his work life. He loved you ALL!
Mike was active in the Tipton Moose Lodge and the Tipton F.O.P. Lodge. He held membership with the Indiana Volunteer Fireman Association, the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, the American Red Cross and the National Hot Rod Racing Association. In his spare time Mike enjoyed weekends being on the race circuit helping with NHRA racing crew and Jerry Powell Racing.
He enjoyed attending his children’s school activities, especially their band performances. He was very proud of his kiddos!
Mike is survived by his wife Kim; children Andrew Pratt and Emma Pratt of Tipton, April Margraf and husband PJ of Rolling Prairie, Indiana and Jamie Killingbeck and husband Jeremy of Greenwood, Indiana; his mother Mary. Mike has four grandsons and a granddaughter, an aunt Debby Bennington of Tipton, two nieces and two nephews and several cousins. In-laws include Rex Harvey and girlfriend Annie; Pam Schlueter and Steve Harvey and wife Traci.
Services will be held on Monday, January 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Rock Prairie Church with Rev. Phil Collier presiding. Visitation will also be at the church on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31 at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Tipton American Legion.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations to assist with medical expenses may be made to Mike Pratt Cancer Fund in care of First Farmers Bank and Trust, 825 E. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist Mike’s family in their time of need.
So sorry for your loss. Mike was a very nice guy. Graduated with him . He will never be forgotten. Prayers for family and all classmates
Mike will be dearly missed by so very many. Great guy since school! Always treated people fair and was good at making us laugh. Will miss you at the track dear Friend. RIP
Kim I’m so sorry about Mike. Loved seeing him years ago at the hospital…always with an upbeat spirit, always helpful. Bless him and all of you.
Prayers for the family. Mike leaves a great legacy.
A GOOD MAN.
I am so sorry for your loss Kim. Mike was one of the nicest guys and he’ll be missed by many. He always kept us laughing when the 3rd floor was hectic and was such a joy to be around. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Kim
Sorry for your loss. Mike was a good hearted man and a good friend. Our community will miss him dearly. May God comfort all of you 🙏
Frank Fritch
Kim & family, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Mike. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Sincerely,
Colette Silence
Dear Debby and family, Please accept our condolences and prayers for all of you. Mike was a great man and will be missed by so many. Sincerely Susie and family
My deepest sympathy for all Mike’s family. A great man. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss! May God bless you all in such a difficult time.
Kim im so very sorry about mike you and the kids are in my prayers .
Kim so sorry for your loss of Mike. Funny guy and great person of the community. Love,hugs to your family. He will be missed.
Kim, Debby, and family, I am sorry for your loss. I remember Mike from his EMT days. He was always fun to work with.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for all the family. Mike always had a smile for everyone he met.