Donald "Don" Prater

Donald “Don” Prater was born May 30, 1945 in Jadwin, Missouri to James Franklin and Virgia Alice (Short) Prater. He met the love of his life, Ruby “Elizabeth” Webber in Shannondale, Missouri and on November 26, 1963 they were united in marriage. Don and Elizabeth shared fifty-nine years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Lequeeta, Brian “David”, Christopher, and Buck. His family was most important to him and he loved being the “fun grandpa” to his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Don was a jack of all trades and a hard worker his entire life. Throughout his working career, he worked at the International Shoe Factory, Victor Plumbing, and McDonnell Douglas. He also worked for a time on oil rigs and in the timber industry. Don retired as a certified farrier. He loved training horses, attending horse shows, and trail riding. Don was musically talented and played several instruments to include the fiddle and Dobro. He had a beautiful voice and sung with a local band for over twenty years. Don was a man of faith and baptized at a young age. He was a longtime member of Second Baptist Church and also attended Bethel Baptist Church where he played on the softball team. Don entered into eternal rest February 12, 2023 in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-seven years. He is survived by his loving wife: Elizabeth Prater of Salem, MO; children: Lequeeta Stewart and husband Howard, Brian “David” Prater and wife Melissa Cody, Christopher Prater and fiancé Kelley, and Buck Prater and wife Kaytlyn; siblings: Emmett Prater and wife Valorie, Vernie Corbin, Granville Prater and wife Joan, Erma Hance, Wayne Prater and wife Dessie, and Rickie Prater and wife Nancy; grandchildren: Blaik Bolerjack and husband Michael, Brennon Hilderbrand and wife Tori, Breanne Yerk and husband Matthew, and Briatty Hilderbrand; great-grandchildren: Kylie and Kate Bolerjack, Chloe and Brighton Yerk, Cooper McClure, and Jordan Prater; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Preceding him in death, parents: James and Virgia Prater; sister: Norma Shaw; brother: Ronald Prater; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don leaves behind a great legacy and will be forever missed by those who loved him most. Funeral Services for Donald “Don” Prater were held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Bro. Rick Mansfield officiating. Song selections played were “Amazing Grace”, “Old Rugged Cross”, and “Precious Memories”. Serving as Pallbearers were Chris Prater, Howard Stewart, Brennon Hilderbrand, Larry Hilderbrand, Matthew Yerk, and Michael Bolerjack. Honorary Pallbearers were Juston Norris, Brian “David” Prater, and Buck Prater. Burial was in the Weese Cemetery, Shannon County, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Donald "Don" Prater

May 30, 1945 - February 12, 2023