He was a member of Buckner Christian Church and an Elder. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1955, and he was assigned to the USS Young (DD-793). Charles was a General Manager for General Electric where he retired after many years of service. He was a lifelong fan of the KY Wildcats and the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed playing fast pitch softball. He also coached numerous girls' softball teams and won 2 state championships during his coaching career with South Oldham.
Preceding him in death were his wife of 48 years, Margaret Ann Prather; parents, Charles L. and Ethel Prather; granddaughter, Cara Esmaty; brothers, George, Edwin and Lee Roy "Pete" Prather; sisters, Edna Prather, Lottie Mae Ritchie and Sue Jackson.
Survivors include his children, Cheryl Salyer (Larry), Julie Simpson (Mike), Jan Pride (Christopher), June Baldauf (Eddie), Charla Barr (Allan) and Wade Prather; brothers, Ray Prather (Treva), Sam Prather (Donna), Turk Prather (Janet) and George Ritchie (Donna); sisters, Doris Abell, Margaret Potts (Gary), Theresa Lackmann (Bob) and Linda Clark (David); 18 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home with burial to follow in Valley of Rest Cemetery. Visitation from 4-8 PM on Monday.
Memorial gifts to Buckner Christian Church or Prather Scholarship Fund.
