David Prater

PARAGOULD, Ark. -- David Neil Prater began his journey in Campbell, Missouri, on Dec. 14, 1934. His journey of 83 years, 10 months and 13 days ended Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas, with his wife, Ruth Ann, at his side.

David was a man of "all seasons," and there wasn't a musical instrument he could not play. His Grandpa Prater taught him all about carpentry and life. He found his calling when he moved to St. Louis and joined the Teamster Union at the age of 19. From being a dockworker to driving an 18-wheeler, he worked for the betterment of the working man. In the 1970s, David was the leader of seven Teamster members who spoke before the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C., chaired by Rep. James J. Pickle of Texas, who was head of the House Ways and Means Committee. The purpose was to help reform the Teamsters Union. David was elected as the Principal Officer of Local 574, in Cape Girardeau, where he served for two years and retired to Paragould.

David met and married his first wife, Edith Wray, in St. Louis. They were blessed with four children, Neil Ray (Beverly) Prater of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Paula Roxanne (Phil) Johnston of Jackson, Caria Jo Prater of Danville, Kentucky, and Berla Kay (Tom) Strong of Jackson; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, all of whom survived him. Also surviving is his younger brother, Kaye Prater of Springfield, Missouri, and a lifelong friend, Bobby Hanna of Florissant, Missouri.

David and Ruth Ann Wilson Prater were married Dec. 3, 1983, in Paragould, where David began another journey building a successful appliance parts sale and repair service. He always found time to help anyone who needed it.

Preceding him in passing were his parents, Hadley Clayton and Mollie Jo Minton Prater; an older brother, Bill Krecmen; and a beloved grandfather, Cycle Prater.

A celebration of David's life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home, 4904 West Kingshighway in Paragould, with H.T. Moore and Patricia Bodenhamer officiating.

Lasting memorials may be made to Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro and the Children's Homes of Paragould.