Eugene (Gene) Arthur Prather passed away in Irving, TX on September 19, 2026 at the age of 87. Preceding him in death in 2018 was his wife of 59 years, LaWanda LaQuetta Goodman Prather. He was born November 24,1938 in Grand Prairie, TX to Chester Louis Prather and Alyne Evans Prather.
After working many years at Doran Chevrolet as a brake mechanic, he went to work for his father-in-law, who taught him the art of trim carpentry, which he continued to work in that trade until his retirement.
Gene and LaQuetta were active members of Oak View Baptist Church for 26 years, serving faithfully in their Senior Adult groups until poor health kept them at home. Gene was an avid NASCAR fan, keeping up with all the big races on Sunday afternoons. He also enjoyed racing remote control cars at Wild Bill’s Hobby Shop small race track in Irving, where you could find him almost every Friday night, racing his beloved cars.
Family meant everything to Gene, and his love for his wife, daughters and their extended families was very evident in all that he did. He is survived by his daughters Tina Price and her husband Steve of Haltom City, daughter LaWanda Long of Irving, grandsons Chris Price, Jacob Price, Ben Price and his wife Yessica, and Clint Long. He has 2 great-grandchildren, Dylan Long and Yara Price.
There will be visitation at 1:00pm at Oak View Baptist Church, 1004 S Story Rd, Irving, Texas 75060, on September 29, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at the same location from 2:00-3:00.
The committal service will take place at Laurel Land Funeral Home 6300 S. RL Thornton Freeway in Dallas, Texas on September 29 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.
