Richard Bradford Prather

Richard B. Prather, age 87, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at the Anderson County Hospital.

Richard was born on June 25, 1935, at the family home in Kincaid, Kansas. He was the fourth of four children born to Romie D. and Nellie (Moore) Prather. Richard graduated from Kincaid High School in 1953.

Richard was united in marriage to Dolores J. Weirich on June 12, 1955, in Kincaid, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Melvin Jerry Prather on January 19, 2020; two sisters, Wanda, who passed away at a young age, and Ramona Taylor; and brother, Dr. Elvin Prather, DVM.

Richard is survived by his wife, Dolores Prather, of the home; son, Norman T. Prather and Cindi of Ida Grove, Iowa; daughter, Sherry Lust and Terry of Bellevue, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Matthew Lust and Josie, Adam Lust and Katelyn, Amy Lust, Phillip Prather and Theresa, and Lane Prather; and six great granddaughters.

After high school graduation Richard became a partner in his Dad's farming operation, an occupation he loved. The Hilltop Farm Grade A Dairy started December 1955. Richard worked hard on his goals to breed the highest producing and best-looking Holstein cows that he could. He held leadership positions in state and regional Holstein organizations.

Richard loved working with young people, he coached his children's ball teams, was a 4-H leader and taught Sunday School.

Richard served in leadership roles in several community organizations including: First Baptist Churches in Kincaid and Garnett; Crest School Board, President of Anderson County Fair Board and Anderson County Farm Bureau; President Lyon Coffey Electric and Kansas Electric Cooperative; and President of Central Region American Baptist Men. He was on the founding Board of Anderson County RWD #5 and Martindale Villas for Senior Living in Kincaid.

In retirement, Richard enjoyed working at church camps and spending time in his workshop creating gifts, especially comfort crosses for those in need.

Richard's innovative spirit helped him overcome many challenges that he faced especially after being diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), a muscle disease, 15 years ago.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the First Baptist Church Garnett, Kansas. His family will greet friends on Friday evening from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Sanctuary Chair Fund or to The IBM Research Fund at Johns Hopkins Medical Center and left in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com