Robert L. Prater
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Robert Leonard Prater passed away March 23, 2020 at the age of 73 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. Bob was born May 17, 1946 to Madge (Leonard) and Lloyd Prater in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended school in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Southeast High School in 1964.
Bob enrolled at Central Missouri University, and then put his education on hold to join the US Army in 1966 and serve in Vietnam with the 362nd Signal Corps. After returning from service Bob earned his BS and MBA degrees.
Bob began his career as an accountant for IMCO Container Co in Kansas City, Missouri. He then served as Controller at Park College for two years before joining Johnson County Community College as Director of Financial Services. He retired in 2013 as Associate Vice President/Comptroller at JCCC.
Bob and Janet (Allen) were married from 1966-1985 and have two daughters: Erica German (Brandon) and Ashley Prater-Bennette (Walter) and four grandchildren: Ian, Rachel, Bailey and Isabelle. Bob and Janet reconnected in 2011 and began living together again in 2017.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gregory and Bill. He leaves his immediate family, his sister Rosemary Guevara (Abel), numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, co-workers and friends.
A graveside service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery will be attended by the immediate family. A memorial service for friends and extended family to honor Bob’s memory will be announced in the future.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Michael J Fox Foundation.
Bob was one of the kindest men I have ever known.
Even in the face of an insurmountable challenge, his true being continued to shine through.
He played the hand that he was dealt quite well.
As my circle of loved ones continues to grow smaller, I cling to the memories of those that have been part of it.
Will miss but will always remember “Bobby”
Bob was a great colleague, very professional, kind, and caring for all around him, with a great sense of humor!
I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers, love and thoughts are with all the family. God Bless. He is in Heaven with joy, peace and happiness.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bob and I worked at Johnson County Community College together and we were on the same team for the JCCC Staff Development bowling league. Fun times! I got to know Bob very well as teammates and many years afterwards. He received the award for the most improved bowler!!! Bob was such a kind and ethical man. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. He was truly a JCCC legend!
I am very sorry to learn about Bob’s passing. I worked at JCCC for 32 years and could always count on Bob for assistance. He had a great sense of humor and was sincerely a kind man. Warmest wishes to family and friends at such a difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was such a wonderful example of living with Parkinson’s – kept working, never complained and always had a nice word to say. Prayers for his family. Lindy Robinson
So many wonderful memories of growing up with the Prater kids in our life. Bob was always a joy to be around. Cousins forever.
Bob was so very sweet and generous. When I was his daughter Ashley’s college roommate, he welcomed us into his home on numerous occasions – which was always a treat for poor college kids wanting a weekend get-away. He had cupboards full of cereal, his favorite food. ? We exchanged Christmas cards for years, and I finally got to see him again at Ashley & Walter’s wedding in NY. As sweet as ever, he told me Janet was making sure he ate right – without her, he would just eat cereal all the time.
Bob was a kind, gentle man. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Bob.
I worked with Bob for over 10 years at JCCC. He was such a fair, kind, hard working person with a ready smile. He will be deeply missed by many of us!
I have fond memories working with Bob at JCCC. He had a “twinkle-in-the-eye” shyness that let you know you weren’t getting anything by him. He was a good, honorable man.