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Kenneth Prather Obituary
On Sunday, December 27, 2020, Kenneth Earl Prather, Sr., loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and loyal friend, died at the age of 87. His passing is a profound loss to all who love him. Ken was born on May 9, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, to Earl, Sr., and Agnes (Masanko) Prather. He earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from University of Detroit Mercy in 1955 and his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1959. He practiced Family Law for 57 years. Ken had five children from his first marriage to Shirley (Armstrong) Prather: Eric, Kimberly, Jon (deceased, Lisa (deceased), and Laura. In 1972, Ken was married to the love of his life, Jeanette Marie Prather (deceased), whom Ken called "The Beautiful One." He described his marriage to Jeanette as "Heaven on Earth." Together they were blessed with their son, Kenneth Earl Prather, Jr.
Ken was passionate about his law practice, politics, and education. Among many professional accomplishments Ken taught family law for 17 years at the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, when he wrote a 1500-page course book entitled Family Law Course Book covering the theoretical and practical aspects of Family Law in Michigan. Ken received peer recognition being awarded Superior Lawyer for many years. He had been a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1973; He served as chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Beginning in 1983 Ken had been listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" as one of the best family lawyers in MI. Ken strove for compassionate dedicated service to his clients.
Ken was a top-notch athlete with a love for basketball, tennis, and golf. Ken supported his love of arts and compassion for the condition of others through donations supporting those endeavors. He was an avid reader with a large collection of books. Ken kept a catalogue of some of his favorite essays, quotes, and poems and would share these at family gatherings and social events he and his wife hosted, regaling his receptive audience with pearls of wisdom. Ken was blessed with lifetime friends staying connected with some for 80 years. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious yet quiet laugh, and his kind spirit. Ken encouraged others to pursue excellence in athletics, education and/or profession. He had a great respect for those who lived their lives as their best selves. Nothing brought him greater joy than witnessing the success of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. At each individual's success, he beamed with pride and commended their actions in person or through a letter and/or a phone call.
Ken was not a stranger to death and loss. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Agnes; his brother, Earl Jr.; his sister, Joyce; his wife, Jeanette; his son Jon; and his daughter, Lisa. He kept memories of the dearly departed close to his heart and often included stories of them in his speeches and/or dinner prayers.
Ken is survived by his four children, Eric, Kimberly, Laura, and Ken Jr.; his step-children Stuart (Marie) McCubbrey and Heather (Lance) Platz; his grandchildren Christina (Kevin) Hinds, Lindsey (Edwin) Martinez, Ken III, Alex, and Maxwell Prather; his step-grandchildren Paul and GraceLian McCubbrey; his great-grandchildren Calvin and Andrew Hinds; his cousin Shirley Sperling; his fiance' Jane Ahlfeld; and his lifetime friends, Ed (Lorraine) Nussel, Frank (Barbara) Terrell, Bud Feely, and many others. His family and friends will carry his legacy forward by living out Ken's beloved Reflection written by William Penn: "I shall pass through this life but once. If therefore, there is any kindness I can show, Or any good I can do any fellow being, Let me do it now! Let me not deter or neglect it, For I shall not pass this way again."
Due to COVID-19, a private virtual service will be held on Friday, January 1, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in the name of Kenneth E. Prather, Sr., to University of Detroit Mercy - Athletics at https://www.udmercy.edu/giving/donate/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Prather
Melissa Winter
January 5, 2021
Ken attended mine and Julians wedding. I always found him to be warm and very genuine. He had true character and was well respected by everyone.
Nicholas Jan
January 4, 2021
Ken was a dear friend. I admired his character & his intelligence, and above all his admiration for the kindness he always presented towards his friends & family. I believe he represents the class of the "Greatest Generation well, even though he was at the end of that group. He was a fantastic storyteller, and truly loved to laugh (even at his own jokes!!). I will always remember the warmness and friendship that Ken & the entire Prather family gave us throughout the trials of our lives.
Philip Nussel
January 1, 2021
I'm Phil Nussel, the son of Ed Nussel, who was one of my dad's best friends for more than 70 years. Ken also was my friend, confidante and my attorney. He was a terrific man in many many ways and he was always in touch with my family for as long as I can remember. His son, Ken Jr., was also a good friend of mine and I helped coach him on the tennis court when he was in high school. Ken was there for me at two terrible times in my life - and represented me in two divorces, pro bono. I'll never forget Ken's friendship both for me and for my father. His death leaves a huge void for the Nussel family and we will miss him very much. Rest in peace, Ken.
Traci Dean Walters
December 31, 2020
Ken is my best friend’s Dad. I believe I was at Laura’s house in Royal Oak the first time I met him. It was Thanksgiving and a group of us had dinner together. Oh, how entertaining that dinner was! I very quickly realized that this is where they got it from. See, Laura, and Kim are not your standard, run-of-mill people. They are so very smart, super quick witted, oh so funny, kind, selfless, humble, compassionate, loyal, optimistic, and busting at the seams with integrity. Over the years when I was lucky enough to spend time with Ken, he showed me all those wonderful human characteristics. A Father can make all the difference in a child’s life and Ken is proof of that. I think he was a wall of trust and security for his family; a constant source of encouragement; a wonderful teacher and the perfect person to call on to find joy. I pray wonderful memories will replace heartache and sadness for those left behind as often as possible. Rest in peace, Kenny. Thank you for being Laura’s Dad.
Michael J. Kelly
December 31, 2020
Mr. Prather was my professor for Family Law at University of Detroit Mercy many years ago. I remember him for his thorough knowledge of the subject, his sense of humor and the time he always had to speak with his students to make sure they got the most out of his course. I truly enjoyed him as a professor and give a nod to him as one of the reasons I practice in this area today. The world and our legal community lost a good man, may his spirit live on. Thank you Kenneth.
Kenneth Haines
December 31, 2020
Ken handled my divorce 5 years ago and did a thorough job and was a kind gentleman.
James P Ryan
December 31, 2020
Ken was a true gentleman, - and kind to a fault. I will forever remember him reciting poetry at year-end Family Law Section gala’s, especially “Reflection”. Ken participated in all kinds of projects designed to improve family law and loved the discussions and debates involved with those efforts. He leaves a beautiful legacy, and many broken but thankful hearts.
/s/ Jim Ryan, Plymouth
Barbara Kumar
December 31, 2020
As a former client, there are no words to express the respect I have for Ken's skill as an attorney, for his depth of knowledge and for the kindness and compassion which he conveyed to me during difficult legal proceedings. I will remember him with deepest gratitude and sorrow at his loss. My prayers to the Prather family.
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