Gary S. Prater

Gary S. Prater, 73, passed away Thursday, October 14, at his home. He was born in Muncie, Indiana on June 23, 1948 to Luther A. & Ruth G. (Little) Prater. He graduated from Yorktown High School in 1966 with honors. He moved to Nashville, TN and graduated from David Lipscomb College in 1970 with dual majors in Physics and European History. While doing alternate civilian service in Nashville as a conscientious objector, he developed a love for woodworking. In 1974 Gary and his wife Carissa (Miller) moved to Muncie and settled on his family's farm.
Gary was an incredibly talented woodworker and was known throughout the community for his masterpieces and beautiful furniture. He was selected by the mayor to be Muncie's Bicentennial Project Developer, resulting in the establishment of the Emily Kimbrough Historic District. For six years he served on the Muncie Historic Preservation Commission, working on the Ball mansions, churches, homes and many other historical restoration projects. He built the front doors of the Indiana State Capitol building, was Exhibit Builder at the Minnetrista Cultural Center, and the Museum Director at the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Gary was also a passionate gardener, committed to traditional organic methods. He spent many years growing flowers and vegetables for family and customers at his roadside farmstand and generously gave much of his produce away. Most of all, Gary was a proud, loving, and supportive father. He was an accomplished little league coach and chauffeured his sons across the country multiple times to bicycle races.
Gary is survived by his four sons, Luther S. (Jayne), Daniel N. (Anne Overdorf), Jacob L. (Kimberly), and Joshua D. (Sarah) Prater, four grandchildren, Margot, Arley, Willa, and Frankie, Carissa Daly (Larry), and his two brothers David A. and Gregory L. Prater.
A private celebration will be held on Saturday October 23 at 4:00-6:00 at the Prater family farm for friends and family. Condolences can be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com