Robert Prather

Robert L. "Bob" Prather

CROWLEY - Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home for Robert L. "Bob" Prather, 70, who died Monday, November 11, 2013 at 3:56 a.m. in Hessmer, LA.

Deacon Phil Lizotte will officiate for the services. The family requests visiting hours Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to service time. A rosary will be recited Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At Bob's request his body will be cremated following the services.

In Bob's early years he spent many days working in his dad's (Tom Prather) meat market and working cattle for his Uncle John Prather. Upon graduation from Crowley High School in 1961 and vocational-technical school, he went to work as an electrical engineer in New Orleans and worked for A & P. After moving back to Crowley, Bob opened his own meat market and eventually became part owner of P & L Food Mart for many years. When Bob's father passed away in 1978, he took on the roll of family patriarch for the Prather clan and was loved by his many nieces and nephews. Bob's favorite pastime was raising and riding cutting horses and he also enjoyed trail rides. In 2001, Bob realized his dream of operating he own cattle ranch in the Hill Country of Central Texas which he did for 10 years until his health declined. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and took great joy in teaching his grandson Eric all about the great outdoors.

Bob was a member of the American Brahman Breeders Association. He was a former member of the Acadia Parish Sheriff's Posse and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He spent many years working for and giving back to his Crowley/South Crowley community.

Bob is survived by his wife, Valree Faulk Prather of Hessmer, LA; step-daughter, Jodi Stovall of St. Martinville; six sisters, Mary Alice Mott and her husband Gerald of Iowa, Bernice P. McElwee of Ville Platte, Elizabeth P. Landry and her husband Van of Abbeville, Elaine P. Fabre and her husband Richard of Luling, Virginia P. Manuel and her husband Karl of Sulphur and Stephanie Prather of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Thomas Prather and his wife Audrey of Metairie; one grandson, Eric Christopher Stovall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Martha Morgan Prather.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.geesey-ferguson.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Geesey-Ferguson Funeral Home, 301 North Avenue F, Crowley, LA 70526, 337-783-3313.