PAW PAW – John Noel Prentice, 86, of Paw Paw, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, at his home.

A celebration of John's life was held on Jan. 6 at the First Presbyterian Church in Paw Paw. Visitation was from 9-11 a.m., followed by a service officiated by Reverend Ken Foster. Interment of cremated followed at Wyoming Township Cemetery with military and fire department honors.

John was born on Oct. 9, 1937, the son of John and Charlotte (Wiley) Prentice. A proud graduate of Paw Paw High School, Class of 1955, he served with honor in the U.S. National Guard as part of the 129th Infantry. On Oct. 28, 1961, he exchanged vows with the love of his life, Amber (Meyer) Prentice.

John is survived by his sons, John (Stephanie) Prentice of Paw Paw, and Clinton (Elizabeth) Young of Princeton; daughter Deanna (Dana) Murray of Milan, Mo.; former daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Saraparu; grandchildren, Emily Prentice of Somonauk, Mitch (Hannah) Prentice of Galesburg, and Evelyn Young of Naperville; many nieces and nephews; and his cat,Cassie.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother, John (Charlotte) Prentice; his wife, Amber Prentice; infant son, Robert Noel Prentice; and grandson, Janson Murray. He was also preceded in death by many beloved horses including Fort Silky and his faithful dog Dasha.

Throughout his life, John dedicated himself to hard work. He spent 40 years at Swift in Rochelle and at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Montgomery. Actively involved in the Paw Paw community, he served on the Village Board, as a Boy Scout leader, and volunteered in youth sports. A source of immense pride, John retired from the Paw Paw Fire Department in 2023 after 65 years as a Firefighter EMT. He played a pivotal role in bringing ambulance services to Paw Paw and was part of the inaugural EMS class for the department.

Beyond his professional life, John was an ardent fisherman, hunter, trap shooter, and casino enthusiast. He was renowned in Paw Paw for his stable of racehorses, which he successfully raced nationwide for many years. He took his last horse around the track at the age of 75.

Memorial offerings may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw or the Paw Paw Fire Department. Please visit www.tormanfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book.