Charles is survived by his wife, Joan (nee Friedhoff) Prather; son Stephen (Wendee) Prather; and daughter Jennifer (Antonio) Contreras; his grandchildren Madison Dougherty, Emilee Prather, Olivia Prather, Gabrielle Prather, Isabel Contreras, Javier Contreras and Santiago Contreras.
Charles was preceded in death by son Charles Prather, Jr.; father Jess Prather and mother Elsie (nee Lovvorn) Prather; siblings Irene Montgomery, Firman Prather, Lester Prather, Helen Prather, Betty Van Arsdale and Floyd Prather.
After graduating from Desloge High School, Charles entered the United States Air Force (where perhaps he developed his interest in flying and in military aircraft.) He particularly enjoyed history and became a history buff studying the Civil War, World War I and World War II. He enjoyed travel. He and Joan shared many memorable trips. When the opportunity came about he enjoyed traveling to and studying historic battlefields. In the fall he would do an annual road trip with his boys and some of the grandchildren to historic sites in the area.
After his service in the Air Force, Charles became a letter carrier until his retirement. Not slowing done much after his retirement, he began delivering flowers for Ladue Florist where he joined Joan, a bookkeeper.
Most of all Charles was a family man. He dearly loved Joan, his children and his grandchildren. Anytime he could spend with them was the best.
Services: Visitation 4-8 pm Wednesday, July 14, at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd, Saint. Louis, MO 63132. Mass of the Resurrection 10 am, Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Saint Richard Catholic Church, 11223 Schuetz Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63146. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan, Jefferson Barracks, MO 63125.
Contributions in Charles' memory may be made to Wings of Hope, 18370 Wings of Hope Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63005 or Masses offered for Charles.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Prather family.
