STANLEY JOHN PRAGER
November 28, 1927 ~ May 2, 2018

Born in Spokane, Washington, the youngest of two sons, Stan moved with his parents Nicholas J. and Mary Ursula (Gebhardt) Prager, and older brother Kenneth to Vancouver, Washington, in 1929. He graduated from Vancouver High School in 1946. His father was an engineer for the SP&S railroad. His mother graduated from Washington State Normal School at Bellingham, now known as Western Washington University, with a teaching certificate.
A veteran of WWII, he served with the 441st Army Ground Forces Band stationed at The Presidio of San Francisco after completing basic training at Camp Lee Virginia. He received the World War II Victory Medal, was recommended for further military training, and honorably discharged in March 1947.
Upon returning to Vancouver, he continued his education utilizing the GI Bill, attending Clark College, the University of Oregon, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lewis and Clark College (1953) and his Master of Science in Teaching from Portland State University (1966).
He retired in 1989 from the Vancouver School District after 30 years of teaching. His career began in elementary school, transitioned to teaching science at Jason Lee Middle School, and was completed as the librarian at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School.
He leaves his wife, Kathryn Edgecomb; numerous nephews, a niece, and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, nephews, James G. and John N.; and former wife, Sharon Lee Leach.
A special thank you to Stan's caregivers, Toni and Sheree, from Visiting Angels-Vancouver. Your compassionate, skillful and heartfelt care and support was priceless. You are angels.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11a.m., May 19, 2018 at Park Hill Cemetery (Section B). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gorilla Foundation (koko.org), Salvation Army, Meals-on-Wheels, or your favorite charity.
Stan was a man of many accomplishments and interests: educator, fireman for the SP&S railroad on the last of the steam engines, jazz musician, pilot, watercolor painting, astronomy, geology, birdwatching, photography and a great sense of humor. Because there are more stories than space here to tell them, a Celebration of a Life well lived is planned for the spring of 2019 (for more information email: [email protected]).
Hamilton-Mylan was entrusted to his arrangements.

Please sign Stan's Guest Book at
www.columbian.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbian on May 13, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Prager

Sponsored by anonymous.

12 Entries

Steve Henrikson

October 2, 2025

I was a student of Mr. Prager at Jason Lee Jr. High. I was proud that he let me serve as a kind of lab assistant, and helped him line up the chemicals he needed for class each day. We was also a merit badge couch for "Aviation" for boy scouts. He invited me for a test flight at Pearson Air Park, and subjected me to a "final exam" midflight as he let go of the controls and asked me to make a 36 degree turn towards Mt. St. Helens. It was at that point that I realized that I never comprehended actually controlling an aircraft. I turned the wheel OK but forgot the rudder. Before I knew it I had us turned sideways and was looking out my right window straight down at the ground! Then, I froze--not daring to screw things up any worse than it was. Stan had a hearty laugh, and came to my rescue at long last. He was a fun guy and it was nice to connect with a teacher who had a similar sense of humor. Rest in peace, Stan. Your kindness and generosity were a highlight of my school career.

Kathryn Edgecomb

Planted Trees

Patrick O'Rourke

January 3, 2023

Stanley grew up with my mom, aunts and uncle Phil who he was good friends with in Vancouver. I enjoyed hearing his stories about knowing my family when I had him as a teacher at Jason Lee and I enjoyed hearing my family´s stories about him when they were kids. They liked him a lot. He was very friendly and one of my all time favorite teachers. I´m sure I have photos of him because my uncle took lots of photos as a kid in Vancouver. He was one of the good ones.

Kathryn Edgecomb

Planted Trees

His love for challenges...watercolors!

Carol Harms

June 25, 2018

Stan was always a delight and pleasure to listen to his stories. What a great sense of wry humor. I'm sure he made a difference for many students. He will be missed but leaves a legacy with those who knew him.

chuck Sester

May 19, 2018

RIP Stan, I remember many great times at Sarah J. Anderson.....

Terry Fuller

May 17, 2018

Sorry to hear about Stan passing. Will miss him at family picniks

Romaine & Steve Austin

May 17, 2018

RIP Stanley

Wayne Rickert

May 17, 2018

Stan, You were a really neat guy. I always enjoyed our conversations at the family picnics and have missed those. RIP.

Tim and Ida Hedges

May 14, 2018

Stan was truly one of a kind, talented in so many ways. We will miss his good humor and thoughtfulness. May he rest in peace.

Earl Poulsen

May 14, 2018

Mr. Prager was my 7th grade science teacher back in 1971-72 year. I enjoyed some of his humor while teaching the basics of science. Another thing, I enjoyed were after school activities including heating up glass tubes and bending them. To this day when I see bent glass tubing, I remember Mr. Prager I knew his brother Kenny who worked for the BN railroad.

May 14, 2018

One of my favorite teachers -- Mr Prager managed to light a fire for lifelong learning for science in me. My condolences to his family

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