Melvin "Mel" Prather

Melvin Prather was born in Yuma, Colorado, to Truman and Opal (Smith) Prather. He married the love of his life, Barbara Smith, on July 7, 1963, in Sidney, Nebraska. Together they raised two children, Bryan Prather of Montana and Stephanie (Don) Trotter of Loveland, Colorado. Mel was a proud grandfather (Papa) to Desirae (Mark) Marriott, Lizy (Luke) Tollin, and Mary B. Odian.

Mel began his working life with Safeway, which brought him to the Front Range. He and Barbara moved from Boulder to Longmont in 1972, and later settled in Berthoud in November of 1983, where Mel lived for nearly 40 years. Over time, he found his true calling as a carpenter. His craftsmanship can be seen throughout Colorado — from the Eisenhower Tunnel to the Longmont Humane Society, and in numerous schools, banks, and recreation centers. Much of his commercial carpentry career was spent at IBM in Gunbarrel, where he worked as a general contractor.

Mel loved the outdoors. Fishing, elk hunting, and pheasant hunting were among his favorite pastimes. In 1999, he and Barbara began raising alpacas, an adventure they enjoyed together until Barbara’s passing in 2008.

Mel is survived by his children, Bryan and Stephanie; his son-in-law, Don; his three granddaughters; his brother, Robert (Connie) Prather; his sisters, Kathy Smith and Shirley Stephen; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law; his beloved wife, Barbara; three sisters; one brother; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Mel will be remembered for his steady hands, his boisterous humor, his love of the mountains, and the deep devotion he held for his family.

A graveside service will be held on June 2, 2026, at noon at the Eckley Cemetery on US Hwy 34 in Eckley, Colorado. A luncheon will follow at The First Presbyterian Church of Otis, 181 S. Weld St., Otis, Colorado.

Mel never said “goodbye” — he always said, “Toodle Doo!” So today, we are not saying goodbye to our Dad, our Papa, our Uncle, our brother, or our friend. We are simply saying, “Toodle Doo, Mel… until we see you again.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Prather family.