Claude A. Prass

Claude A. “Chuck” Prass, 62, passed away at 10:18 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at St. Elizabeth East Hospital in Lafayette; he had been chronically ill for some time.

Mr. Prass was born in Fairfield, CA, on July 31, 1953, where his father was stationed at nearby Travis Air Force Base.  The family retired to his parents’ home state of Indiana when Mr. Prass was young, first to Indianapolis, then Anderson, and then Lafayette in 1957.  He attended St. James Lutheran School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1971.  He was also a graduate of Midwestern Broadcasting School in Chicago, and Walker Career Center in Indianapolis.  In the early 1970’s, he resided in Portsmouth, VA, Pentwater, MI, and Chicago, IL, before returning to Indiana where he lived in Rossville until 1978.  He then moved to Lawrence and later Greenfield.  By 1982, he returned to the area, living in Pyrmont and then Colfax for the past 30 years.

Mr. Prass first married Linda Faye York in 1971, and later divorced.  She passed away in 1979.  He later married Marcia Sue Dolby in 1973; she preceded him in death in 2012.

Mr. Prass was founder of the Indiana Alligators Inc., a non-profit radio group that raised funds for handicapped children in North-Central Indiana, and served as its first president and later secretary-general of the organization.  Mr. Prass was also a Scout Leader, serving as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for Pack and Troop 321 in Colfax, and Advisor for Explorer Post 922.  He later served as district Activity Director for the Sugar Creek District of Crossroads of America Council for several years, planning and running Camporees, and he was in charge of the annual District Scouting for Food collections.

In the 1970’s, Mr. Prass worked at the former Schwab Safe Company, the former Essex Wire Corp., and the former Uniroyal Corp. before launching Fair Deal Tune-Up and Repair Shops in Greenfield.  He worked as a mechanic for more than 20 years.  

For 22 consecutive years in Frankfort and Lafayette, Mr. Prass was a former league bowler, winning several league championships.  He served as a four year member of the Lafayette Bowling Association.  For 13 years, he and his wife, Marcia, traveled around all five Great Lakes doing lighthouse photography prior to her passing.  For over 40 years, he compiled an extensive genealogical family history for both his and his wife’s family lines.

Mr. Prass is survived by his sons, Samuel Prass, Daniel Prass, and Arthur Prass; two daughters, Gloria East and Tanya Schimmel; ten grandchildren; and two brothers, James Prass of Ohio, and Paul Prass of Pennsylvania.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Donna Hammer Prass; and one son, Matthew Prass.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at Genda Funeral Home Rossville Chapel from 9:00 a.m. to the start of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.  Pastor Greg Eberhard will officiate.  Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.