Del Austin Pratt, Sr., 80, of Dixon, was born on September 14, 1941, in St. Louis, a son of Delmar and Hester (Forshee) Pratt and departed this life on Saturday, December 25, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family following a long illness.

He married Sherry Veach on August 8, 1970, at Fort Leonard Wood. He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and Steven; his parents, Delmar and Hester; two brothers, James and Morris; one sister-in-law and one niece.

Del entered the United States Army in 1964 and served 22 years. He retired as 1SGT of the 463 ^rd M.P. Company. One of his special duties was being assigned to FAA in the U.S. Federal Marshall office in 1970 – 1971 to escort and protect passenger planes from high jackers until the civilians could be trained for the job.

Del was baptized early in life and later was baptized in the Jordan River. He enjoyed reading and studying his Bible and had taught Sunday School at Burnett Christian Church and Gasconade Baptist Church.

Those left to mourn his passing include: his wife Sherry Pratt; two sons, Del Jr. and his wife, Jeannie; Gary and his wife, Britney; one daughter, Patricia and her husband, Robert; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation from 11 a.m. until servicetime at 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 30, 2021 in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon with Bro. David Hokanson and Bro. Bill Dudley officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be in the West Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Alzheimer's Association with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.