By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
  • Visitation

    Saturday, December 28, 2019

    2:00 to 4:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL.

  • Service

    Saturday, December 28, 2019

    4:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Herschel D. Prater, 73, of Troy, IL, died Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at Elmwood Nursing & Rehab Center, Maryville, IL

    Herschel was born May 27, 1946, to Norman and Zelma (nee Callahan) Prater, in Pinckneyville, IL

    He was kind, generous, funny, and he wished everyone love. He never met a stranger; people gravitated to him. He also contributed to many charities. Herschel spent a lot of time on his family genealogy, and put books together for his family. He was an avid writer and has written adolescent novels. He was an avid reader and loved flowers. Herschel taught at Edwardsville Middle School for 33 years; several years he served as the Art Director. In retirement, he taught as a substitute teacher for about 10 years. Giving was a big thing for him—he didn’t want to know what you received, he wanted to know what you gave.

    He is survived by his Life Partner, David Temme, Troy, IL; brothers and sisters, David (Bobbie) Prater, Pocahontas, IL, Joan (Mike) Allen, Bunker Hill, IL, Pat (Bob) Lister, Arkansas, Larry (Susan) Prater, Greenville, IL; many nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Zelma Prater; sister, Delores Elam; brother-in-law, Donny Elam; niece, Sherry Elam.

    Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or American Cancer Society.

    Visitation: Saturday, December 28, 2019, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL.

    Funeral Service: Saturday, December 28, 2019, 4:00 pm, at Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL.

    Clergy: Pastor Kent Schuette

    Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

9 Condolences
 
  1. Alberta Pryor / December 25, 2019 at 9:07 am

    My sympathy goes out to Herschel family and friends. I’m his 3rd cousin on the Praters, I met him when we were all trying to find the grave site for our great great grandfather David Martin Prater, Herschel and I became friends right away, always enjoyed visiting with him and talking with him on the phone, always looked forward to getting his Christmas letter, now I understand why I didn’t receive one this year, Herschel you will be missed, I’m sure your celebrating in heaven today with Jesus and all of your family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, Alberta Prater Pryor

  2. I. Mezzano / December 25, 2019 at 3:50 pm

    My condolences to the Prater Family I. Mezzano

  3. I. Mezzano / December 25, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    My condolences to the Prater Family

  4. Tammy Reyman / December 25, 2019 at 11:38 pm

    I really loved Mr. Prater as a teacher that had I in the Edwardsville School District. He was a FABULOUS educator in my era attending school.

  5. Carolyn Beckett / December 28, 2019 at 12:46 pm

    Herschel was well liked as an art teacher in the building where I also taught.
    Condolences to his family.

  6. Carolyn Beckett / December 28, 2019 at 1:12 pm

    Herschel was well liked as an art teacher at the middle school where I also taught.
    Condolences to all of his family.

  7. Tracy Plagemann / December 28, 2019 at 3:33 pm

    My condolences to the family. I walk in the mornings in the pool at Leisure world and we had some great discussions about so many things. He was always so fun and kept me honest with coming. I miss our morning conversations. He was a wonderful individual.

  8. Kyra kulfinski Neighbors / December 29, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    Mr Prater was probably my favorite teacher in school. He actually cared about his students. We would take summer school classes just because it was fun! He will be missed and remembered!

  9. Ellen Luckey / January 3, 2020 at 4:58 pm

    My sincere condolences to Herschel’s family. He was a friend and co-worker. He had so much joy, kindness and enthusiasm for life. I’m so glad to have known him. We sure will miss him.

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