William Lyle Prather

Services will be at 12:30 p.m. today at Canyon View Vineyard Church. Inurnment will follow at 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.

Mr. Prather was a rancher.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Lisa Prather and Leslie Weis, both of Grand Junction; two brothers, Ned and Dick, both of DeBeque; one sister, Nancy Gibson of Lakewood; and five grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St. Grand Junction 81506 or Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.

William ""Lyle"" Prather

June 8, 1946 - August 14, 2015

William ""Lyle"" Prather passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Lyle was born June 8, 1946, in Grand Junction to parents, Robert ""Bob"" and Merline Prather and raised on the ranch in DeBeque, Colorado.

We lost our rock, a gentleman who always wanted to make you laugh, have fun, and most of all simply enjoy life. He was a director, leader, planner, story teller, provider, helper, and soldier that worked hard every day of his life. Lyle very much enjoyed watching the PBR and going to the PBR National Finals in Las Vegas; Justin McBride being his favorite bull rider and commentator. One of Lyle's favorite past times was to climb into the motor home, hauling the razor for some 4 wheeling in Lake City or Taylor Reservoir where he spent many memorable moments with his family, friends and making new friends. He didn't know a stranger.

Lyle was very proud serving his country in the Vietnam War from May 1968 to February 1969 receiving the Army Commendation Medal for his meritorious service; fighting along side Colonel Rogers who received the Medal of Honor during the battle of Fire Support Base Rita.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Margaret Prather; oldest daughter, Lisa Prather (wife Danielle Wareham and daughter Piper); youngest daughter, Leslie Weis (husband J.J. Weis, daughter Ava Vines, son Scottie ""SJ"" Vines; step-daughters Lexi Weis and Jordyn Weis); brothers, Ned (Dollie) Prather, Dick (Connie) Prather; sister, (Nancy Gibson); sister-in-law, Mary Prather and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Dustin Bert Prather; parents, and brother, Bobby Prather.

Services will be held August 21, 2015, at the Canyon View Vineyard Chapel starting at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors beginning at 3:00 p.m. Dinner will follow at the VFW Club.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506 or the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.