Donald C. Prather

Donald C. Prather, 81, went home to be with the Lord on November 20, 2017. He was born in Warren, OH, to the late Charles and Helen Prather. He was a proud veteran of the US Army, having served from 1959-1961. He retired from Nabisco in 1991 after 25 years of service. In 1973 Donald was called to preach at Bethel Valley United Methodist Church which he called the "biggest little church in Akron" and pastored there for 37 years, retiring in 2010.

He loved listening to big band jazz and brass bands, as well as singing gospel music, sharing his faith and testimony through song. Donald and his family performed as the Family Affair Gospel Quartet for 10 years. He and his wife enjoyed volunteering their time to the Denny and Marge Hazen Ministries out of Louisville, OH.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by sisters, Charlene Swartz and Carol Allard. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Patricia; children, Alan (Deborah) Prather of Mechanicsville, MD and Kathryn (Stephen) Reid of Miami, FL; brother, David (Carole) Prather; grandchildren, Mary and Elizabeth Prather; and all of his nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday November 24, 2017 from 6-8 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday November 25, 2017 at 11 am at Grandview United Methodist Church, 2315 Phelps Ave. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 where family will receive friends one hour prior to service.