Phillip R. Prather

Phillip Prather Obituary

Born in Kansas. His family moved to Mission Beach in 1941. According to Phil, he didn't want to leave his Kansas friends and school. "I bitched the whole trip across the country. When I reached Mission Beach I took one look at the ocean and never looked back".
He and his brother Jim soon became part of the beach community, Phil was co-author of "Mission Beach", the history of the area he dearly loved. He attended La Jolla High School where he excelled in sports, left early at 17 to join the navy in WWII. He returned and finished his senior year.
Phil was a lifeguard and then a firefighter for the City of San Diego. He was an original member of the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, OMBAC. He loved traveling and camping throughout Baja California. Dad often said "I have the best friends" spending many weeks exploring Baja with them. His love of nature was passed on to his children, who shared many camping and fishing trips together.
Preceded in death by his son Jeffrey, daughter April, and his brother Jim. He is survived by his son Daniel and daughter Mary Jo. Also grandchildren Harish, Ashley, and Adam as well as several nieces and a nephew.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Apr. 9, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Prather

11 Entries

Sandra (Garza) Senger

January 25, 2025

Phil was one of the kindest, sweetest, funniest persons I´ve ever known. I met him a number of years ago in Kennewick when he wanted to purchase some property, I was the listing agent and we became great friends, we went fishing when he visited here, I would insist I´d stay at his home when in San Diego, he truly was one of the most genuine friends anyone could ask for. The last time I saw him was May 2022 when my then boyfriend, now husband and I went to visit, I said you´ve got to meet Phil you´ll just love him, and he did! Life gets in the way and I´m so sorry I didn´t see this before now, but he sure loved his family and was very proud of Mary Jo, he spoke of her often. I´m fortunate I have a signed copy of his book he co-wrote, such a legacy he left. R.I.P. Phil.... Much Love & hugs

CAPT Steve "Shep" Shepard, USN (Ret)

April 16, 2023

I was Phil´s guardian on an Honor Flight San Diego trip to DC in 2013. We became fast friends and stayed in touch over the years. He was a man´s man, a great storyteller, and a great American.

This is a picture of Phil at sea during World War II. He served on the USS Kwajalein (CVE 98), an escort carrier that conducted transport runs from Hawaii to bases in the West Pacific, ferrying aircraft, supplies, and munitions. The aircraft his ship transported helped replace losses sustained in raids against the Japanese home islands. His ship was also part of the Magic Carpet flotilla, which brought returning servicemen back home after the war.

Phil was a great friend and will be missed. I am a better person for knowing him.

Sandra Wiebe

April 14, 2023

So much love, so much fun, always kind...rest in peace, good friend. Sandi Wiebe (Mrs Ron "Fox" LaPolice

Jill Schuldt Lively

April 11, 2023

Phil Prather was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was my dad, Dale Schuldt´s best friend. My dad loved Phil like a brother. They spent many years working together for Continental Baking Company. They traveled throughout the United States and Mexico. I am so glad I was able to catch up with him a year ago and reminisce. We all had so much fun camping together. God bless Danny and Mary Jo. I send you much love, Jill Schuldt Lively

Dee Lange

April 11, 2023

With a twinkle in his eye and a smile for all, this Mission Beach treasure will be missed.
Peace and memories, Dee Lange

Kim

April 10, 2023

One of my favorite photos of hunky uncle Phil in 1946.

David Prather

April 9, 2023

Yesterday, I caught and released a trout into the Crooked River. As the fish swam away, my thoughts turned to you, my fishing mentor. I sat on the riverbank for a moment and thought about you and I felt at peace with losing you. I remember calling you with my fish stories and you would get so excited. I can hear you hoot and holler and give me an enthusiastic, "Aye Chihuahua". Adios Phil. Thank you for the memories. You will forever be with me when I cast.

Kim Prather Kraft

April 9, 2023

My uncle Phil has been a very loving part of my life since I was born. Grandma and cousins are some of my earliest memories. Don and I will miss him and his stories so much.

Ashley Herrmann

April 9, 2023

Grandpa, words cannot express how much we love you and how much you will be missed. To say I was beyond blessed to have you in my life in an understatement. You were always my hero growing up and forever will be. There are so many things you taught me over the years from fishing to being a strong person who never gives up no matter what life throws at you. I will miss our times together at the beach, our conversations, your words of wisdom, and especially your hugs because you always gave the best ones. I Love you Grandpa and I hope to continue to make you proud.

Robbie Phillips

April 9, 2023

I will miss my sweet friend so very much. When I visit my folks in Missikn Beach,I always looked forward to my time with this kind, warm, wonderful, grateful man. I'm know how fortunate I am to have know Phillip. His hugs made me feel peaceful all day long. He will be missed

Pat & Roger Stebleton

April 9, 2023

Heart of Mission Beach is gone. He will be missed for visits on the boardwalk
And his usual local "haunts". It won´t be the same without him. Wonderful man
Who always had time to say hello.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results