David Nelson Prater

Our beloved David Nelson Prater, age 69, was called home on September 17, 2025.

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, David moved to Austin, Texas at the age of 11, where he would spend most of his life. The youngest child of his family, David lived with boundless curiosity, adventure, and joy. He had a deep love for the outdoors and sought out new challenges throughout his life-whether skiing down snowy slopes, practicing martial arts, riding his bike, or exploring the ocean depths through scuba diving, David embraced every experience with enthusiasm and courage.

David graduated from Austin Anderson High School and went on to attend the University of Texas. He built a long and fulfilling career as a Design Engineer at the University of Texas Balcones Research Center, where his technical skills and dedicated work ethic left a lasting impact. Over the years, his co-workers became dear friends and an important part of his life.

Known for his loyalty and warmth, David maintained close ties with many of his high school friends and treasured every relationship he made. He was a man who gave generously of his time, his humor, and his heart.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Dona Prater Jr. and Laura Eleanor Arnett, and his beloved sister, Donna Ready.
He is survived by his brother, Doug Prater (Valerie); his aunt, Emma Hughes; his uncle, Flynn Arnett (Joanne); and his cousins Jack Sharpe, Angus MacPherson, Edwina Del Giudice (Michael), Jennifer Garner (Dave), Teresa Hansen (Allan), and Kristina Cockayne.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Benjamin Prater Sr. (Deborah), Allison Coignard, Katherine Petrinic (Michael), Laura Vincent, and Frank Ready (Jennifer); and his great-nieces and nephews: Mia and Benjamin Prater Jr.; Henry, Oliver, and Hannah Petrinic; Zachery Bolt; Brianna, Emma, and Olivia Vincent; Cullen Perry; Haylee Adams; Staton Perry; and Eleanor Heffley.

In addition to his family, David cherished the companionship of his beloved dog, Frosty, who was always faithfully by his side.

David's warm smile, quick wit, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Magoffin County Funeral Home, located at 900 Parkway Drive, Salyersville, Kentucky.

David's adventurous spirit and loving heart will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.