David Neil Prater

David Neil Prater began his journey in Campbell, MO, on December 14, 1934. His parents, Hadley Clayton and Mollie Jo (Minton) Prater, an older brother, Bill Krecmen, and a beloved grandfather, Cycle Prater, preceded him in passing.

David was a man of “all seasons” and there wasn’t a musical instrument that he could not play. His grandpa Prater, taught him all about carpentry and life. He found his calling when he moved to St. Louis, MO, and joined the Teamster Union at the age of 19. From being a dockworker to driving an eighteen wheeler, he worked for the betterment of the working man. In the 70’s, David  was the leader of seven Teamster members who spoke before “The House Over Sight Committee” in Washington, D.C., chaired by Congressman Pickle of Texas, who was head of “The House Ways and Means.” The purpose was to help reform the “Teamster Union.” David was elected as the Principal Officer of Local 574, in Cape Girardeau, MO., where he served for 2 years and retired to Paragould, AR.

David met and married his first wife, Edith Wray in St. Louis, MO. They were blessed with four children, Neil Ray Prater (Beverly) of Murfreesboro, TN, Paula Roxanne Johnston (Phil) of Jackson, MO, Caria Jo Prater of Danville, KY, and Berla Kay Strong (Tom) of Jackson, MO; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, all of which survived him. Along with his younger brother, Kaye Prater of Springfield, MO. Lifelong friend, Bobby Hanna of Florissant, MO.

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

His journey of 83 years, 10 months, and 13 days ended October 27, 2018, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, AR., with his wife, RuthAnn, at his side.

A memorial service will be Saturday, November 17, at 10:30 a.m. at Phillips Funeral Home 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.

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