Robert D. “Bob” Prather, 94, of Loogootee, Indiana, passed away on September 8,
2022. He was born on July 28, 1928 in Martin County, Indiana. On January 5,
1952, he married Sarah Jane Kays, who preceded him in death in 2012. He was
also predeceased by his mother, Mabel Summers, in 2012. He was a graduate of
Loogootee High School and was honored as a recipient of the distinguished alumni
award.
Survivors include a sister, Rosalie Abner, and children, Lana Burch (Tony Smith),
Brent Prather (Brenda), Kerry Prather (Cindy) and Jill Prather, as well as five
grandchildren, Brandy Mackie (Rick), Brett Deckard (Josh), Brooke Willis (Zac),
Katie Gillaspy (Nick), and Robbie Prather, and six great-grandchildren, Alexis
Mackie, Aiden Mackie, Riley Deckard, Drew Deckard, Parker Willis and Paige
Willis.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and began his service during the final phase
of World War II. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict and
served a tour in Korea. After his honorable discharge, Bob began his career at the
Naval Surface Warfare Center (then the Naval Weapons Support Center) in Crane,
ultimately becoming a munitions logistician and systems analyst. He worked at
both NSWC Crane and at the Navy Department in Washington, DC, and he
traveled frequently to U.S. Navy installations throughout the world. He retired
after more than 40 years of government service in 1996 and immediately began a
second career with CACI, a private international provider of support services for
national security missions and government transformation. He retired from CACI
in 2008. During his military and professional career, Bob visited 26 foreign
countries.
In retirement, Bob assumed an active role in the development of the
Westgate@Crane Technology Park, serving on the advisory board that worked
with private companies and organizations serving NWSC Crane to create
economic development opportunities for area citizens. Bob helped provide
information technology support for the K of C and VFW organizations. He was a
long-time board member of the Martin County Community Foundation.
Throughout his adult life, Bob was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in
Loogootee. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus (K of C).
He was a member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 120 and a
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post. He was recognized by the
VFW Post 9395 in 2022 as the last surviving veteran of World War II in Martin
County.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker at
1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic
Church in Loogootee, Indiana. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 from 11:00 am to 12:45 pm
at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council 732,
American Legion Post 120 or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9395 in care of
Blake Funeral Home, P.O. Box 116, Loogootee, Indiana 47553.
Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com
Blake Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert D. Prather.
