Robert Charles Prather of Frisco, Texas, known affectionately as Bob, bid a peaceful farewell on July 18, 2023, at the age of 76, in a defiant campaign against the cancer that suppressed his breath but never his spirit.
Born on May 8, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas, to William Cecil Prather and Beatrice Mary (Spengler) Prather, Bob’s journey was to become one of determination and resilience. As a veteran of the United States Army, he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Stationed within the Army Security Agency, he outfitted troops with enemy intel and weathered the harrowing days of the Tet Offensive in 1968.
In matters of the heart, Bob returned home and found himself beguiled in the presence of Caren Dye. The couple exchanged their vows in San Antonio on December 20, 1969, seeding a 53-year union of enduring love and commitment.
A maverick by nature, Bob was strong-willed and fiercely independent, overcoming difficult trials such as Leukemia and notable achievements like a 28-year career with Hewlett-Packard. Early retirement let him stay busy with more casual IT endeavors, often volunteering to resolve issues for friends, family, and neighbors.
In leisure, Bob quickly embraced a shared passion for scuba diving that spurred awe-inspiring excursions with family and friends. At times, Bob and Caren found themselves living on a chartered yacht for weeks and taking daily plunges into the crisp, vibrant blue waters that hug the majestic shores of Fuji and Micronesia.
In later years, Bob enjoyed gathering with neighbors to watch the Frisco Roughriders Minor League team take the field. Like many retirees, he became an avid golfer, dedicating three or more weekdays to pursue his magnum opus—finally shooting par. It is only one of a few goals Bob fell short on and is a life-long testament to his strength and resolve that shall forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Bob was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by several family members who call Texas home; his beloved wife, Caren Prather of Frisco; daughter, Christie Allen and partner, Ben Brannon of Cypress; son, Todd Prather and wife, Stephanie of McKinney; grandchildren, Savannah Allen, Hunter Allen, and Chance Allen, all of Cypress; brothers, Bill Prather and wife, Cindy of Horseshoe Bay and also Rick Prather and his wife, Becki of Lake Jackson; brothers-in-law, Lonnie Dye of Dallas as well as Les Dye and wife, Rhonda of Allen; sister-in-law, Elaine Fisher and husband, Ken currently living abroad in Portugal; and numerous other loving family members, friends, and his loyal Yorkshire Terrier, Max.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Prather; mother, Beatrice Sanders; and stepfather, Walter Sanders.
In a lasting tribute to his honorable military service, Bob will be inurned at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038, on an appointed date being announced in the near future.