Bruce Jan Prater

Bruce Jan Prater, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Longview, Texas. He was born February 13, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Billy and Alma Prater. Bruce grew up in St. Louis where graduated from Cleveland High School after which he served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he embarked upon a lifelong career with the railroad, first with Missouri Pacific and then with Union Pacific where would eventually retire with over 35 years of service.
Whether it was in his role as a husband, father, or his favorite role of an adoring Papa, family was the most important part of Bruce's life. When not watching the Young and the Restless, Bruce could be found working in his yard, grabbing a tea while washing his car, or enjoying a meal at his favorite restaurant Cheddar's.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws Betty and Curtis Stuckel , brother Jack Prater, and niece Amy Safron, all of St. Louis, Missouri, and son-in-law Chris Harper of Longview, Texas.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Susan; son Garrick and wife Gretchen Prater of St. Louis, Missouri; daughter Michele and her husband David Etchelecu; daughter Jennifer Harper and loving boyfriend Rob Bassett. Bruce (PaPa) was also blessed with five adoring grandchildren; Colby and husband Blake Pierce, Hannah Harper and fiance Spencer Stripling, Ian Prater, Madeleine, and Ethan Etchelecu, great-grandchildren Harper Pierce and Kora Harper, and Rob's sons Drew and Peyton Bassett, all of Longview. He is also survived by his siblings Randy, Marla, Sally, and Nancy, sister-in-law Cheryl and husband Rick, and brother-in-law Curt, all of the St. Louis area, and life-long friends Dan and Barb Gittemeier of Troy, Missouri.
Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Garden Court of the funeral home. A Life Celebration® funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Cammack Family chapel with Bro. Tony Pierce officiating.
Bruce will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who always saw the best in other people and had a kind word to offer.