Horace Prather

Horace Holder Prather, 92, of Mexia passed away September 19, 2015 in Waco. He was born October 17, 1922 in Ben Hur, Texas to Edward V. and Caroline Holder Prather. The family, later, moved to Mexia where Horace attended Mexia High School and met his future wife. Horace married the love of his life, Louise Kerzee, and they spent an amazing 72 years together. Horace was a dedicated Christian and true servant of God. "Service" was deeply embedded in him. He served his family, his church, his community, his country and anyone who needed help, whether he knew them or not. Horace served as a Lions Club member from 1965 until present, 50 years of service. He was the first President of the Lions Club in Portland, Texas. After moving home to Mexia, he served the local chapter holding a number of offices, including President in 1992-1993. He was named Lion of the Year for l994-1995 and 2008-2009 and received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship for Humanitarian Services for 2014-2015. The Double Whammy Pancake Breakfast/Supper event and the Mop & Broom sale were two of his favorite projects, of which the proceeds included helping children in need of glasses. He was a supporter of the Texas Lions Camp and worked tirelessly so that children in need could attend. Horace served his country in World War II. He volunteered to defend freedom by joining the U.S. Army and spent three years in Persia. After 26 years of service as production foreman, he retired from City Service Oil Company in Portland, TX. And, as always, found other ways to serve the community; he was a volunteer fireman in Portland from 1959-1986. After retiring and returning to his beloved Mexia, he served on the Board of Directors of the Mexia State Supported Living Center Volunteer Council as well as the Centex ARC Board. He served for 22 years on the MSSLC Volunteer Council and held many offices during this time. He loved being involved in the MayFest and FallFest every year, his responsibilities included picking up and cooking the hot dogs. Horace was, also, ready to lend a helping hand with the council's annual Gala. In 2009, he received a plaque from The State of Texas for 20 years of volunteer service. Horace was the Volunteer of the Year in 2010. On his 90th birthday, the council presented him a plaque honoring "A Life Well Lived". Prior to joining the Volunteer Council, he was a member of the Public Responsibility Committee for several years. He was also a faithful member of the First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David and Willie Prather; and sister, Shirley Fouts. Horace is survived by his wife, Louise of Mexia; son, Eddie Prather and wife, Darlene of Lufkin and their children, Wade and Alicia Altman and family, Adam and Kristian Altman and family and Alan Altman and son; sister, Doris Baumann of Oregon; nieces and nephews, Jimmy Prather and Diana Prather Nabors of Mexia, Phyllis Prather Robinson and Pam Prather Stefanini of Oklahoma, Carolyn Sue Baumann, Steve Baumann and Edward Baumann of Oregon, Ann Norris of Tyler, Mary Luebcke of Colorado, Mardee Raynor of Denton; and many great nieces and nephews. Horace will be greatly missed by all. Visitation with the family will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church. Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Prather, John Nabors, Kevin Nabors, Brett Beene, Clint Flatt, Bill Lowry and Bud Shamblin. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Talley, Morris Kerr, Mexia Lions Club, Fisherman's Sunday School Class and MSSLC Volunteer Council.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am, First Baptist Church

Service Information

11:00am, First Baptist Church-Mexia