Donald Prather Jr., 62, passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2022, in Reno, Nevada.
Don was born on December 27, 1959, in Winnemucca, Nevada to Donald and Opal Prather.
Don graduated from Lowry High School. He received several certifications including EPA air quality.
Don was a licensed water well driller for many years. He left drilling as it kept him from his family, he then went on to hold several management positions. His favorite job was welding with his boys, Mike and Gilbert.
Don met his soulmate Marci and they spent 36 amazing years together. They went on countless adventures together.
Rarely did you see them apart. He was a loving Dad to 4 sons and 3 daughters, Grandpa to 18 and a Great-Grandpa to 9 and he was always trying to adopt children in need.
Don enjoyed any family gatherings where the kids could play, and the adults could enjoy story telling. He loved the 4th of July BBQ with his family and friends together, celebrating his country that he loved so much.
Thanksgiving was his second favorite holiday as he loved to cook for large gatherings.
One of Don’s lifelong dreams was fulfilled in September with his kids, Mike and Jessica, spending the day Opal Hunting.
Don was truly amazing as he would help anyone in need, he had an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or even just a ride home – No matter the issue, big or small, he would be there.
Don would never burden anyone with any of his struggles. To be so kind, caring and selfless is the best example and he would want us to follow in his footsteps. Don would say “Because it’s the right thing to do.”
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Opal Prather; his sister, Eve Prather; his nephew, Solon Gardner and numerous Aunts and Uncles.
With a heart as big as his, Don touched everyone he talked to, leaving behind countless people who loved and will miss him dearly.
Don is survived by his wife, Marci; his children, Mike Prather, Jessica Morris, LouRae Ross, Gilbert (Amber) Prather, Donald (Shawna) Prather, Jennifer Winkler, and David Prather; his grandchildren, Kaylub Prather, Alyla, Anden, Ajerra Shears, Gilbert and Brooklyn Prather, Sydney (Carl) Hansen, Riley, Cody and Emily Prather, Destinee Jones, Cierra Winkler, Dougie Lloyd, Augamia Dychs, Levi and Allison Prather, Brianne Thompson, Bentley Ross and his 9 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his cousins, Clarise (Chip) Bill, Gilbert Prather, Shauna Parker, Joette Gray, Donald (Carol) Prather, and his very special friends, Tony and Pam Fabor and Ray and Melody Wilson.
As we say goodbye to an amazing husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, cousin and friend, Don understood our sadness of missing him, but he would want us to be happy for the time we had together, enjoy our memories and remember the lessons learned.
Don would want us to be comfortable and celebrate his earthly life knowing he struggles no more. Don loved a good get together and wouldn’t want us to waste the opportunity of taking this sad moment and making it a cherished memory. This would truly make his heart full. To be honored this way by family and friends is what he asks for.
A funeral service will be held on November 18, 2022, at 11:00 am at Sonoma Funeral Home with graveside at Winnemucca Cemetery and a reception to follow.
