Sherman Ray Prater, 76, of Lower Macungie Township, died Jan. 1, 2017, in his residence. He was the husband of Karen L. (Pearl) Prater. Born in Maryville, Tenn. he was a son of the late Samuel Franklin and Mary Olive (Paul) Prater.

He was employed as an ironworker with Local #36, Allentown.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 38th Engineer Company, 7th Corp in West Germany. He earned the Good Conduct and Expert M-14 Rifle medals.

He was an avid lifetime golfer, having won the Lehigh Valley Amateur Tournament in 2012. He loved his Labrador dogs.

He is survived by his wife; sons, Jeffrey Ray and his wife Margaret, of Manassas, Va. and Jonathan David, of Montgomery Center, Vt.; granddaughter, Lydia Riann Prater. He was predeceased by a son, Joseph Michael.

Contributions may be made to Toys for Tots, The Cooper Center, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, Va. 22171-1776.

A memorial service will be held in Asbury United Methodist Church, 1533 Springhouse Road, Allentown, 18104, 11 a.m. Jan. 14. Arrangements were made by the Theo. C. Auman, Inc. Funeral Home, Reading.