Christopher David Prater, 17, Syracuse, passed away at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, in Syracuse.

On Sept. 18 1997, Christopher was born to Howard and Jenny (Builta) Prater at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. Christopher was a resident of Syracuse since 2006.

Christopher was a senior at Wawasee High School, worked at McDonald’s in Syracuse and attended both Vineyard Church of Syracuse and the Trinity United Methodist Church in Warsaw. Christopher enjoyed spending time with family, had a love for fishing, enjoyed traveling, cars (especially his truck) and liked to cook. Christopher had a love and respect for the military service and was committed to join the U.S. Army following graduation from high school.

Christopher is survived by his mother and stepfather: Jenny and Jim Layne, Syracuse; his father: Howard Prater, Scott Air Force Base, O’Fallon, Ill.; sister: Amy Prater, North Webster; stepsister: Emilia and stepbrother: Jason at the Layne home in Syracuse; paternal grandparents: Don and Lynda Prater, Warsaw; maternal grandparents” Janet and James Merchant, Valparaiso. Christopher was also survived by his aunts: Amanda Prater, Warsaw; Melissa Drongowski, Mount Juliet, Tenn.; Alexis Builta, Florida; his uncles: Daniel Builta, DeMotte; Robert Builta, Valparaiso; and Darrel Drongowski, Mount Juliet, Tenn.

Christopher was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Alan Builta.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.

Funeral services for Christopher will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, at the funeral chapel. Pastor Dave Winters and Pastor Dave Hummel will be officiating the service. Burial will be at the Syracuse Cemetery in Syracuse.

Family has asked for memorials to be made out to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

To sign the guestbook or send condolences electronically, go to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com