FORT WAYNE — Deaires Daquan "D" Pratcher, 18, of Fort Wayne and formerly of Elkhart, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne on Tuesday, Feb. 4, following a brief illness.

He was born in Elkhart on Dec. 3, 1995, to Bruce McDowell Jr. and Yalonda D. Pratcher. They survive him.

Also surviving are his brothers, Bruce King, Bruce McDowell III, James McDowell and Rayquan and Zayquan Pratcher; grandparents Bobbie Pratcher, Larry (Rosemary) Fields and Orelia McDowell; great-grandmother Hattie Pratcher; aunts Tasha Ellis and Tiesha Adams; uncles Damion and Rodney Pratcher; Jerald Purnell who was a special father figure to Deaires; and a host of other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding "D" in death were a sister, J'zhanique N. D. Pratcher and great-grandparents Alex Pratcher and Prince E. and Henry Fields.

A celebration of Deaires' life will take place Saturday, Feb. 15, at Community Missionary Baptist Church, 228 Chapman Ave., Elkhart, at noon with visitation beginning there at 11 a.m. Pastor Clarence Jones will officiate and burial will follow in Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

Arrangements have been placed under the care and direction of Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart.

"D" was a senior at South Side High School in Fort Wayne, where he was involved in the school's dance club. He was very talented and artistically inclined and loved to draw, dance and sing. He had a heart of gold and loved nothing more than to help others whenever he could. He will be best remembered for his infectious smile and loving bear hugs.

Online condolences can reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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