Herbert Prater

THEBES, Ill. -- Herbert Clifton "Buddy" Prater, 92, of Thebes passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 24, 1930, in Cache, Illinois, son of Herbert and Ollie Busby Prater. He and Francis Houchens were married Nov. 1, 1951, in Blytheville, Arkansas. She passed away Sept. 2, 2008.

After Buddy graduated high school, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged with a rank of sergeant first class E-7. He went to work for the Egyptian School District as a bus driver retiring in 1992.

Loving survivors include four children, Doris Ann Houchens of Cape Girardeau; Judy M. (John) Sutton and Steve (Saundra) Prater, both of Thebes; and Charles (Julie) Prater of Cape Girardeau' and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two sisters, Shirley Hale of Thebes and Kay Hale of McClure, Illinois.

In addition to his wife, Francis, Buddy was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Prater, and five siblings, Mildred Simmons, James Prater, Maxine Croy, Bill Prater and Jerry Prater.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Raymond MacAfee officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.