To know him is to love him.
Andrew “Andy” Prater, 77, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on March 18, 2022, surrounded by his family. Andy moved to Mulberry during his teenage years and met the love of his life, Sharon Keller Prater. After graduating from Clinton Prairie High School in 1963, Andy continued his work with the Rex Brothers filling station in Mulberry. He was then drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country during the Vietnam War. After dozens of letters home to his sweetheart, and upon his return from deployment in Thailand, Andy and Sharon wed on December 2, 1967.
Andy eventually purchased the Rex Brothers filling station and served the town of Mulberry in that capacity until 1989 when he began his employment at Caterpillar and ultimately retired. Andy’s service to his community is admirable, as he was also a Madison Township volunteer firefighter and served on the Mulberry Town Council. His friendly demeanor led him to working with the public, but his servant heart kept him there for decades, ensuring that the people of his community were well taken care of.
Andy was a devoted father to his children, Robert and Kirsten, but no one could hold a candle to his grandson, Jack. Theirs is a bond that will forever remain. Andy enjoyed camping, classic cars, and watching Jack race.
Andy is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Robert Prater and Kirsten Prater Clark; grandson, Jack Hoyer; and siblings Thomas Prater, Mary Gullett, Alice Par, and Charles Prater.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Mulberry. Funeral services will start at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Gloria Dei. Pastor George H. Mercer will officiate. Memorial contributions in Andy’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate. Online condolences may be left at https://www.gendafuneralhome.com/obituary/AndrewAndy-Prater