Bill Gene Prater, Sr

Bill Gene Prater, Sr., age 90, of Nixa, Missouri, passed into eternal rest on January 12, 2023, at his home.

Bill was born on April 14, 1932, in Deer Creek, Oklahoma to the late Luther and Minnie (Anderson) Prater. On December 24, 1974, Bill was united in marriage to Vida von Seeth because she was the love of his life. Bill was a born-again Christian. He was saved in a little country church revival meeting in Tucker, Oklahoma at age 8 and baptized in 1940.

On May 18, 1953, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a Seabee, Naval construction Battalion. Bill served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955. Following his time in the Navy, Bill worked as an electrical contractor. He owned and operated Prater Electric in San Diego, California and retired in 1994. Bill was a free mason, being a member of John Spreckles Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge 465.

Bill was a loving husband, honorable father, loving grandfather and devoted Christian. He will be missed by all who he loved, but we take comfort that he is at rest and is at home with his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Bill was preceded by his parents, two sisters, Bernice Bailey and Loretta McPhail, two brothers, Ernest Conner and L.C. Prater, daughter Frieda Morris, and son Bill Prater, Jr. He is survived by his wife Vida Prater, two sons Tim Prater and wife Bonnie, and John Prater. Grandchildren: Danielle Koelzer and husband Blake, Rachel Morris, Angelina Morris, Sean Prater, Nathan Prater, Cassandra Prater and Mackenzie Prater, Niece Fran Ryan, Nephews: Mike Bailey, Rod Bailey as well as extended family and beloved friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023. Bill will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2023, Missouri Veterans Cemetery. He will receive full military honors.

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.