Bill Prater

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, William “Bill” Ernest Prater, Jr. Bill succumbed to cancer surrounded by his family on January 28, 2016.

Bill was the son of William Ernest Prater, Sr and Opal Fern (Smith) Prater. He was born November 19, 1933 in Webb City, MO. After graduation he served his country in the United States Marine Corp. Bill was employed at Carthage Marble (Carmar) for 42 years until retiring in 1996. Bill loved the Lord and was a member of The Three Point Church in Carthage, pastored by his very good friend Tom Wright. Bill married the love of his life, Bonnie Lyons on July 2, 1961 in Carthage, MO. She survives.

He leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife, Bonnie (Lyons) Prater, son David Butler: fiancée Annie Day of Carthage, daughters Rhonda (Butler) Zippro of Joplin, Lisa (Prater Froehlich; husband Larry Froehlich of Springfield, MO and Kendra (Prater) Sexton; husband Danny Sexton of Carthage. 12 Grandchildren and 24 Great Grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his sisters Coness Ruth Standlee of Grandview, WA and Pat Gregory; husband Carl Gregory of O’Fallon, IL and brother Robert Prater; wife Luz Prater of Santiago, Chile. Bill was preceded in death by his father William Ernest Prater, Sr. and his mother Opal Fern (Smith) Prater.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday February 4, 2016 at Fairview Christian Church in Carthage. Family will receive friends and family 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Ulmer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to The Three Church Building fund in care of the Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home.