Charles "Chuck" Prather

Charles Victor “Chuck” Prather, 88, of Kansas City, MO passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Visitation is Monday, Feb. 5 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM (Rosary at 5:30) at St Patrick Catholic Church, 1357 NE 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 10:00 AM, also at St Patrick. Burial to follow at Terrace Park Cemetery, 801 NW Shoal Creek Pkwy, Kansas City.

Chuck was born October 29, 1929, in Kansas City, KS, the youngest of seven children to James and Lulah Prather. When he was two years old, his family moved to the Kansas City Northland. Chuck attended Lillis High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1949, becoming a Korean War veteran by serving aboard the U.S.S. Myles C. Fox.

While on one of his leaves in Massachusetts, Chuck met Claire Benac and they married in February 1952. Chuck and Claire made their home in the Northland where they raised ten children: Denise Muñoz (Pete), Duane Prather (Xue Ru), Diane Pate (Chris), Darlene Armes (Curtiss Heineken), Dennis Prather (Joyce), Darrell Prather (Stephanie Hezel), Darren Prather, Dale Prather (Tammy), Dean Prather (Rozanne), and Dawn Cierpiot (Eric).

After discharge from the Navy in 1952, Chuck served as credit manager for Northland Home and Auto Supply, and then bookkeeper for Malnar Plumbing. He ultimately settled in a 33-year career in beer distribution, working with Northland Distributing, followed by sales roles with Schlitz and Coors. After retiring, Chuck enjoyed part-time retail sales at Sutherland Lumber.

Chuck was a diehard Royals and Chiefs fan, as well as the T-Bones. He loved to watch old westerns, but his favorite hobby was playing cards. Chuck was never too tired for card games with family and friends, with Hand and Foot being his game of choice. The time he spent with family was very special to him. He stated in an interview, “I can’t get over the family I got. I think it’s wonderful. I thank God every day.”

Chuck was a devout Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Robert A. Hager Council.

Left to cherish his memory are his ten children, 29 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were Claire; his parents, James and Lulah; three sisters: Frances Spillers, Maralyn Griffin and Margaret Patton; and three brothers: Edward Prather, James Prather and Joseph Prather.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Heartland Honor Flight and the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Robert A. Hager Council. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com as arrangements are under the direction of McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion, 816-453-7700