Lake Manitou resident Mr. John G. Pryor, 84, passed away at 7:59 AM on Friday, December 21st, 2012 at South Bend Memorial Hospital. He was born on December 18, 1928 in Peru to Carl and Florence McElhenny Pryor. During this time he grew especially close and became the favorite grandson to Grandpa and Grandma Lamb who helped raise him. In 1946 with great Tiger pride, John graduated from Peru High School, where he starred on the track team. On April 16 1948, high school sweethearts John and Rhea Dollens were married at the Christian Church of Peru by Rev. Jackson. Their union of nearly 65 years produced 3 wonderful children, Carol Ann, Pam and J.D. Over the years two more generations were added to the family tree. A dedicated member of the Chrysler Corporation workforce, John retired after 32 years of service as a machine repair technician. During this time he was a member of the UAW #685. His memberships included Eagles Lodge, life member of the Elks Lodge, and the Manitou Moose Family Center. John and Tom White collaborated to create the popular Moose monthly "Buck Burger" event. Over the years he donated many hours and skills in keeping the lodge in repair. A proud patriarch of four generations, John cherished his loving wife and adored his children and grandchildren. In the early years, John and Rhea enjoyed the dance floors of the Colonial and Elk's as they danced to the Big Band music of Glenn Miller and Tuxedo Junction, to name a few. Active with his children, he was always at the helm of the Rinker ---pulling them around Lake Manitou as they skied as members of the Ski Club. In Kokomo he helped build the Lafayette Park Little League diamonds where he coached for a number of years. An avid golfer, John and 3 other family members teamed to capture amazing back-to-back wins during the 2007 & 2008 Moose/Hospice Golf Tournament. An outdoorsman---John enjoyed fishing on Manitou and the challenges of landing the largemouth bass. A hunter, he bagged everything from squirrel, to deer and pheasants. Rhea welcome the game and prepared it for the family dinner. Upon John's return, from the time outdoors, he usually had a tall tale to share. Of Irish heritage on his maternal side, John naturally was a huge Notre Dame fan. No doubt he cheered for the Fighting Irish and was especially pleased with their undefeated season and apparent National Championship title just two weeks off. He also cheered for Muffett McGraw's Lady Irish, the men's team and the crimson and cream, Indiana University basketball team, especially during the days of Robert Montgomery Knight. John is lovingly remembered by his wife Rhea; 2 daughters: Carol Ann Amend & husband Greg of Mason, OH, Pam Jones & husband Charles of Rochester; a son John "J.D" Pryor and partner Doug Werner of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; 10 grandchildren: John Clark & wife Sherri, Jim Clark & wife Megan, Jennifer Clark & fiancé Eric Mayleben, Joey Clark & wife Rebecca, Lindsay Amend, Derrick Amend & fiancé Carmen, Elizabeth Rentschler & husband Scott, Aaron Jones & wife Courtney, Korby Jones, Andrea Howdeshell & husband Scot; 15 great grandchildren: Jamie, Josie, Jenna, Hayden, Cole, Mariah, Kailynn, Sara & Tommy Clark, Tierney & Tori Rentschler, Olivia Powell, Taylor Jones, Emma & Mia Howdeshell; a sister Janet Kassebaum & husband John of Carmel; a brother Carl Pryor & wife Terri of French Lick; his stepmother Marguerite Pryor and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law Tom Clark. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.