Lee W. Prather, 82, of Effingham, Illinois joined his Lord and Savior while surrounded by his loving wife and children at 6:07 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2015 at his home. Lee was blessed to have had his earthly home filled with family, friends, and neighbors during his last days. He felt the warmth of laughter, love and memories being shared all around him as he prepared to go to his heavenly home.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 at the Full Gospel Church in Edgewood, Illinois with one hour viewing prior to service. Judy Poe will be officiating. Graveside service will be in the Iola Cemetery with Steven Prather Officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at the Full Gospel Church in Edgewood, Illinois. Memorials may be made to Edgewood Full Gospel Women’s Ministry Group or donor’s choice.

Lee was born May 16, 1933, in the town of Iola, the son of Floyd Prather and Ada (Weidner) Prather. He married Della Jeanne Daugherty on July 10, 1955. They raised three children; Steven, Tony, and Cindy. Della passed away in 1984.

Lee was in the Air Force from 1955-1957. He worked construction and electrical work for over 30 years. He was an assistant minister at the Marion Oaks Assembly in Florida and a minister at the Edgewood Full Gospel.

He married Patricia Ann Senior on April 6, 1985. For thirty years, she worked alongside Lee in his ministry and was his companion in life. There were many furry “children” that brought so much happiness to them, most notably, Lucky, Lee’s bird retriever poodle and best buddy.

Lee enjoyed and was a good steward of God’s creation. You could find him sitting outside with his cup of coffee marveling at God’s handiwork through the seasons, sunsets, and the breaks of the morning. He was a responsible sportsman who found total contentment in the fields of doves/pheasants with his hunting companions and dogs. He valued the camaraderie that hunting brought as he worked in the fields and streams with his sons and friends. He also loved being on his motorcycle taking in the countryside with his children/friends and adventuring out on the road trips wherever the wind would take them. Lee embodied the text Mark 12:30-31- “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength” “Love thy neighbor as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Ministry was a mission called upon Lee’s life and for the last 40 years, he served God with an undying determination to bring others to know Christ’s love for them. He was unafraid to go door to door to share his news. He visited the sick and brought joy to nursing home residents with his guitar and singing. He counseled with, cried with, and rejoiced with people during the most intimate moments of life and took his calling of being a shepherd with the utmost respect and care.

Lee loved nothing more than being with family and friends around a table. He enjoyed mealtimes best as this was a time to swap stories, laugh, pass o his wisdom, and most notably- share a good meal. He would be the first one to compliment the cook and the last one to leave the table. There was pure joy in the fellowship that a dining table could bring.

During his last days, Lee wanted his family to know that one of the most important things in life was loving each other and being together. The family was blessed to have so many friends and neighbors that afforded them the chance to do that during the end.

We rejoice in knowing that God will look upon Lee and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He can now rest and enjoy his heavenly retirement. For all those who knew Lee, he wanted to let you know that he will “See you on the big job”.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Patricia Prather of Effingham; his sons, Steven Prather (wife, Doris) of Flora, and Tony Prather of Iola; his daughter, Cindy Birdsall (husband Don) of Edgewood; his grandchildren, Amanda Worrells and Carla Prather, and great grandchildren, Leum Worrells and Isaac Prather.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Weidner Prather.

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