Robert Elijah Prater

Robert Elijah Prater, 81, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2010. He was born January 3, 1929 in Hallett, OK, the son of James and Cecil (Johns) Prater. He was a graduate of Washburn University, receiving a BA in Education. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Major in October of 1966. He would continue his dedication to the Air Force long after his retirement. He was an elementary teacher for several years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Topeka, Philip Billard Post No. 1650 of V.F.W., Post No 400 American Legion, Orient Lodge No. 51 of A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite, Sojourners and the Arab Shrine. He also volunteered 8000 hours at the Colmery- ONeil V.A. Medical Center in Topeka. He was very active and dedicated to all of the organizations listed long after his ability to participate. Robert married Ardyce Emmot on July 26, 1958 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include his children, Robert D. Prater of Topeka, Benjamin Elijah Prater and his wife, Chanda, and their son, Nicholas of Tecumseh, KS, James H. Prater and his wife, Sherri, and their children, Ryan, Amber and Megan Prater of Heath, OH, and Roslyn Kaye McHenry and her husband, Bryce, and their children, Sean and Holli McHenry of Olathe, KS; his brother, Sam Prater of Fairfax, OK; his sisters, Linow Hoskins of Cascade, MT and Louise Ijames of Fairfield, CA. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Elisha M. Prater and two sisters. Cremation has taken place. Graveside inurnment services with military honors conducted by Post No. 400 American Legion will be 10 a.m., Monday, May 3, 2010 at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinsons Disease Association of NE Kansas, P.O. Box 251, Topeka, KS 66601 or to Heart of America Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66614. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka is assisting the family. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.