CHRISTOPHER – Ronald E. Prather, 77, of Christopher, passed away peacefully at Herrin Hospital on March 5, 2025.
He was born on October 22, 1947 to Elmer and Nell (Pleva) Prather.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judi (Kirk) Prather; two daughters, Kelly (Brian) Jansen of Chattanooga, TN and Sheri (Travis) Watts of Du Quoin, IL; three grandchildren, Paige Prather, Lane Grob and Kortney Farriols; and three great-grandchildren, Chesni, Vayda and Lucas Keith.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Keith; and one sister, Sophie Ann Jones.
Ron graduated from Christopher High School in 1965. In October he enlisted in the United States Army serving honorably until his discharge in 1969. During his military service he was stationed in Augsburg, Germany.
He was a long time member of the Rend Lake Masonic Lodge and the Valley of Southern Illinois 32 Degree.
Ron’s employment career included Inland Steel Coal Mine in Sesser, Taylor Motor Company and Auto Credit of Southern Illinois in Benton.
After retiring in 2012, he enjoyed working part-time at Ace Hardware in Benton.
He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR racing. In his spare time, he enjoyed yardwork, working in his shop building and restoring old cars and trucks.
Ron was of the Christian faith, and a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher, IL.
It was Ron’s wishes to be cremated. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
A special thank you to Dr. Anad Salam, Herrin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois.
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