Walter L. Prater

Walter L. Prater, D.D.S., M.S., 73, of Houston, Texas, completed his life on February 13, 2012. He was born on August 27, 1938 in Fort Worth, Texas, and graduated from Paschal High School. He played baseball for Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, where he met his future wife Dolores Bartula. He supplemented his income with jobs working with the railroad and oil field. He then graduated from Texas Weslayan University (1961), and University of Texas Dental Branch (1965, 1968); and began his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery practice in Northwest Houston in 1968. He continued his practice in the same area, serving many generations of Houstonians, until his death.

Walter, also known as Roy to some, embraced his “off time” by enjoying water sports such as water skiing, a passion he passed onto his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed sailing for many years, beginning on Lake Livingston and continuing on Galveston Bay. He won numerous regattas locally as well as those in Key West, St. Thomas Virgin Islands, Mackinaw Island, and Block Island. His famous pink Pirate spinnaker could be seen across the Bay, and he would fly his Pirate Flag proudly as he was infamously known as “Dr. Doom”. Walter’s “Pirate” was named Boat of the Year at Lakewood Yacht Club twice. Walter was an avid runner for years, running his first marathon in 1978 before running became a popular recreational sport.

Once his daughters married and had children of their own, Walter became chauffeur for his grandchildren to and from St. Rose School. One of Walter’s most enjoyable roles was as “Grandad” to his four “perfect” grandchildren. He gladly took on the role of sideline Honorary Coach at baseball games, whether they needed his help or not. He encouraged all his grandchildren to read out loud to him and study hard. He liked to hear each grandchild play the piano and their other musical instruments. He knew the value of a good education, and stressed this throughout his life to his children and grandchildren. But he is most famous for his unique sense of humor, which will be missed by all. He only teased people because he liked them.

As he began his career, Dr. Prater trained at Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Ben Taub Hospital, Methodist Hospital and M.D. Anderson Hospital. He was a Fellow in the American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; a Fellow in American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons; and a Member of Texas Dental Society, Houston Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Houston District Dental Society, International Association of Oral Surgeons and Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dolores M. Prater; daughters, Wendy Prater Dear and her husband Pete and daughter Emily; Holly Prater Schlosser and her husband Jay, and children Alexander, Andrew and Aaron. He is predeceased by his mother Helen Marie McGee Prater, father Wallace Bithell Prater, and brother John Prater.

Visitation will begin at 9AM on Friday, February 17, 2012 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman, Houston, Texas 77018. A Rosary will be recited at 10AM at St. Rose with Funeral Mass at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School Scholarship Fund, 3600 Brinkman, Houston, Texas 77018.