H.D. "Tex" Prather

Herman David “Tex” Prather, 90, of Henrietta, Texas went to meet his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Tex as he was called all of his life was a beloved husband, father, papa, and to many, uncle Tex. Tex was born on September 28, 1933, in Seymour, Texas. He was the youngest of seven children born to Jackson “Jack” Theodore Prather and Bonnie Lee (Sweat) Prather. He grew up in Texas, New Mexico, and Missouri where he, his parents and siblings farmed and ranched. Because of his knowledge, skill, tall stature and assertiveness, Tex was the one to break horses. Tex graduated from Encino, New Mexico High School in 1952, then ranched with his father for a couple of years before entering the Army in 1955 at Ft. Bliss Texas and was then stationed in Portland, Missouri. While in Missouri, Tex met the love of his life, Mary Cotton when she was attending College in Springfield, Missouri. They met through a mutual friend, Pastor Howard Thompson with whom they stayed friends with throughout their lives. Mary and Tex married on August 31, 1959 in Springfield. Shortly after moving to Bowie, Texas where Tex, who was a butcher by trade, worked at A&P Grocery Store. Tex then transferred to A&P Grocery in Henrietta, Texas as the meat market manager. After a few years, Tex and Mary decided to open their own Meat Market and Grocery store called Local Food Market, which ran for over 14 years, closing in 1989. Tex being the entrepreneur he was, then started running his own Tillamook Beef Jerky route and did this for a few years. Later in life, he was a long-time security guard at Rolling Meadows retirement community also in Wichita Falls, Texas until his retirement. Tex had a big personality, and his way was the only way most of the time. He could come across a little tough at times, but he was also one of the most entertaining, giving, compassionate souls you would ever meet if you got to know him. If there was anyone that didn’t get to see much of the stern side of Tex, it was his granddaughters, Lauren and Emilie whom he loved unconditionally. Papa and Grandma’s house was always home away from home for the girls, and being a Papa instilled a tenderness into Tex. He loved all of his family all of the time, and made a point to keep in touch with everyone through cards, and phone calls until he was not able. When Tex owned his grocery store, there were times that single moms, senior citizens, or families could not afford their groceries. Tex being the person that he was would let them pay it out, and at times just let them have whatever it was that they needed. He gladly took time to make free deliveries to senior citizens who could not get out or did not have a vehicle, as well as the ones in nursing homes who just needed a few things. If someone was in need, Tex was always someone you could rely on, and it didn’t matter if you were family, friends, or a stranger. When Thanksgiving and Christmas came around, Tex, Mary, & their daughter Beth Ann would make enough Turkey, Ham, dressing, and all the fixin’s to feed a family of 20 or more, then would help serve those families so no one had to miss a holiday meal. Tex always had a smile and a heart as big as Texas, and the most contagious laugh. Tex attended Cowboy Church in Henrietta, Texas where he and Mary made and loved many friends who they considered family. He is survived in death by his daughter Beth Ann Fletcher and her husband Robert Larry Fletcher of Abilene, Texas; grandchildren Lauren Elizabeth Hoffman and her partner Nicholas Glenn of Henrietta, Texas; Emilie Breanne Hoffman of Abilene, Texas; Robert Lane Fletcher of Wichita Falls, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jackson Theodore Prather and Bonnie Lee of Bowie TX.; sister Mildred Cornelison of Bowie, TX.; brother Bob Prather and wife Veda May “Sis” of Ft. Sumner, NM,; brother Troy Lee Prather and wife Thelma of Lubbock, TX.; Everett Clint “Red” Prather and wife Ruth of Clovis, NM.; sister Margie Laverne Hammond and husband Ed of Mt. Pleasant, TX.; brother Jack Emery “Pecos” Prather and wife Delma of Estancia, NM. A special thanks to Hendrick Hospice Care of Abilene, TX. for the wonderful care and support they provided. We would also like to thank Chris Knapp and all of the nurses at Clyde Nursing Center in Clyde, TX. for giving care, love and support to Tex and our whole family, And the church family at Cowboy Church of Henrietta, Texas. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Visitation will be 6-8 PM Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 11 AM Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home Chapel.