Johnny Ray Prado Sr

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Johnny Ray Prado Sr., aged 77, who departed this life on January 14, 2026. Johnny was born on February 26, 1948, in Lubbock, Texas, and spent his life enjoying little and big moments with his family and friends.

Johnny was a man well-loved for his kind, outgoing, and humorous nature. He had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel seen and valued, leaving a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to know him.

To know Johnny, was to love him.

He held a deep love for family, especially his sons, Johnny Jr. and James, and his daughter-in-laws, Leticia and Maria.

His passions included a love for music, cigars, traveling (especially flying), golf, classic cars and billiards. Johnny was active in billiards leagues around Lubbock, forming many lifetime friendships and traveling to Las Vegas multiple times for APA & BCA World championships. Johnny loved heights and usually always convinced his wife to zip line or to ride roller coasters. He loved various forms of architecture and visiting the tallest building in whatever town he travelled to. Johnny collected wallets, watches, and hats, with collections of each totaling over 60 items. He also loved Polo-branded hats, shirts, pants and cologne. Guests are welcome to wear Polo to the services in his honor. He was also an official Girl Scout, joining his sister-in-law, Makenna, to "Buddy Camp" and participating in whatever shenanigans she asked him to. Johnny's love not only extended to people, but to animals, as well. Never meeting a dog he didn't like (and vice versa) and later on in life, becoming a "cat dad."

Johnny treasured the time he spent with his brothers, sister, sons and family at the family shop, where hours were happily passed tinkering, sharing stories, and enjoying a drink together. Those moments of laughter and simple companionship meant a great deal to him. Time spent with family-especially during the holidays-was deeply important to Johnny, and he valued those gatherings as opportunities to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the people he loved.

Johnny shared twelve remarkable years with, Aurora, seven of them as husband and wife. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. They traveled across the country and around the world, embracing both spontaneous adventures and carefully planned journeys. A tradition close to Johnny's heart was attending at least one Texas Rangers game each year, and more recently, they shared the excitement of attending their first NFL and NHL games together.

Johnny and Aurora also spent countless hours fishing together, a pastime Johnny embraced later in life. Whether he was casting a line himself or standing nearby with a net, ready to help, he cherished every moment by Aurora's side. They were intentional about making time for one another, honoring Thursday date nights and annual vacations each New Year and Fourth of July-creating cherished memories together and sharing those moments with the friends they loved.

United by their love of music, Johnny and Aurora attended 23 concerts side by side, his favorite was the Eagles concert. Johnny also enjoyed visits to Winstar Casino and Labor Day Ruidoso horse races -whether playing a round of blackjack or strolling alongside Aurora, stopping to try their luck at a random slot machine. In a short number of years, they created a lifetime of memories. Johnny loved Aurora with his whole heart, and she loved him just as deeply.

Johnny will be lovely remembered and dearly missed by a large circle of family and friends, including his beloved wife, Aurora Prado; his son, Johnny Prado Jr., and wife, Leticia; his brothers, Gilbert Prado Jr. and wife Mickie, Rudy Prado, Bobby Prado Sr. and wife Susan; and his sister, Linda Prado, and husband Mario.

He is also lovingly remembered by his uncles, Roy Prado and John Prado, and his aunt, Margaret Osuna. Johnny leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Johnny Prado III, Matthew Prado, Aaron Prado, Alyssa and Ben Rojas, Jazmine & Justin Rojas, J'Me Prado & DeeJay Rojas, Thomas and Anjee Prado, Dominik and Indria Prado, Raelin Prado, and all of his great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed by his mother-in-law, Anna Schmid; father-in-law, Lance Schmid; his sister-in-laws, Beth Schmid and Makenna Ivey; his multiple aunts and uncles by marriage, Noemi & Arturo Rosas, Maria Ortiz, Michelle & Antonio Lopez, Miguel Ortiz Jr., Emily Ortiz, and Ricky Ortiz; and his loving grandparents by marriage, Miguel and Aletha Ortiz.

Johnny was also dearly loved by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as a large group of family friends who meant so much to him. He will also be missed by his two devoted cats, Garbage and "his boy," Raisin.

For the past ten years, Johnny became a staple and a cherished part of the Zales & Gordon's West Texas family, where he was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Johnny was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Gilbert Prado Sr., and his mother, Evelyn Prado; his son and daughter-in-law, James and Maria Prado; his brothers, Roy Bankston and Jimmy Prado; his uncle, Bene Prado; his granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Prado; and his beloved pets, Baybee, Chip, and Shadows.

Visitation will be held at Sanders Funeral Home on January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM-7:00 PM where attendees will be welcome to say a few words.

A memorial service honoring his life will take place on January 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Sanders Memorial Chapel.

Johnny's family warmly invites friends and family to gather for a reception in his memory at the Elks Lodge #1348, 3409 Milwaukee Avenue. Light food and drinks will be served starting at 4:00 p.m after his Thursday service. The family would like to thank the Elks Lodge for graciously donating their hall and hosting this gathering, as it was a place Johnny enjoyed many summers, relaxing poolside and sharing good times with friends and family.

Johnny Ray Prado Sr. was a strong believer in God and in living a life of serenity. He held the "Serenity Prayer" so close to his heart that it was engraved on one of his rings and one of his pendants. He would be humbled and honored at the huge amount of love and support shown to him and his family during this difficult time.

Johnny will be forever remembered for his laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for life and for others.

He wishes peace and serenity for everyone he met.