Diane Marie Prather

1948 - 2025

Diane Marie Prather (nee Cordie)

March 27, 1948 - May 6, 2025

Lebanon, Illinois - Diane Marie Prather (nee Cordie), 77 years old, entered her eternal reward sometime mid-morning, 6 May 2025, at her home of residence.

She was born, 27 March 1948, in Belleville, IL. Diane and her beloved husband of 53 years married 12 June 1971 and reside in Lebanon, IL.

Diane graduated from Lebanon High School in 1966 and then continued her education at Belleville Area College, now Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville IL, obtaining an Associate of Science Degree in Business. In 1985, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Professional Accounting.

Diane worked in Civil Service for almost 33 years with the United States Air Force, starting in 1966 to 1984. She then took a break in service to raise her children and returned to civil service in 1993 and retired in 2008. She started as a Clerk-Stenographer and culminating her career as an Accountant. All of her Civil Service career was with Headquarters Air Mobility Command Comptroller Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, IL.

Diane's lived a life devoted to Christ, nourished her faith through daily morning prayer, and was an active volunteer within both the St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Lebanon's community. She was her children's Girl and Boy Scout leader and loved attending their sporting and band events and supporting them throughout their lives in all their endeavors. Diane loved her family dearly. She enjoyed outdoor activities, hiking at the Smokey Mountains, volunteering at Camp Ondessonk, traveling, and especially gardening. Diane adored and loved spending time with her three grandsons.

Family members entering eternity before Diane were her parents, Evelyn A. (nee Fisher) and Lester J. Cordie. Her two daughters, Ann and Teresa Prather; and 4 close beloved aunts and uncles.

Surviving are her husband William (Bill) J. Prather; son, Jonathan L. Prather (Danielle C.) of Virginia and Lt Col (Dr) Michelle M. Prather, United States Air Force, currently stationed in Virginia. Diane was a proud grandmother of Xavier P., Cole T., and Blake M. She has one remaining sibling, Shirley A. Cordie (Darrell R.) of O'Fallon, IL and numerous surviving cousins.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL or Central Institute for the Deaf, St. Louis, MO.

Visitation: Sunday, May 11, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Monday, May 12, 2025, from 9 to 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 12, 2025, 10 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Lebanon, IL

Clergy: Fr. Paul T. Wienhoff, Pastor

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lebanon, IL

A meal will follow afterwards at St. Joseph's Parish Hall. May Diane rest in eternal peace.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL