Richard Gene Prather

Richard Gene Prather, 79, passed away unexpectedly, September 23, 2025, at the Lawnwood Regional Hospital in Fort Pierce, FL, following complications from surgery.

Richard “Rick” was born February 26, 1946. Rick was raised in Martinsville, IN and graduated from Martinsville High School in 1964 where he played basketball, football and ran track. Being the oldest of four children, Rick looked after his siblings and began working at the age of 12. After graduation, he was employed by Indiana Bell for a short time then enlisted in the United States Airforce. Rick served his country admirably during the Vietnam War and was trained as a Communications Specialist. During his service years he was stationed in Laos, Pakistan, Spain and other areas near the Russian Boarder. While stationed in Marquette, MI he married and had his only child, Wendy Prather. Rick was honorably discharged in 1969.

After returning from serving overseas, he moved his family to Martinsville and began a career with Indiana Bell/ AT & T in Bloomington, Indiana. Rick had a strong work ethic and first worked as a Lineman. He was promoted to Switchman, then Communications Technician. He retired after 35 years from AT & T. Rick spent his final years of life retired in Sebring, FL.

Rick’s hobbies were extensive, and he was an engineer at heart, building, designing, and tinkering with electronics. He was athletic and had a brilliant and curious mind. As a young man, he had a great love of Motorcross and spent many weekends over the years racing. Rick was an expert marksman in Archery and enjoyed competing in Archery tournaments across the Country and helping others master their craft. Rick loved the outdoors and fresh air; he had a passion for hunting, camping, fishing, and boating, cooking over an open fire for his friends at dear camp and grilling for his family. He very much enjoyed playing poker and a good game of Ping Pong. Rick had a quick wit and loved to make people laugh; he was known as a man who always had a joke and a story to tell. Rick was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets, American Legion, The Moose Lodge, Elk’s Club, and a member of the AT & T Pioneers.

Richard Gene Prather is survived by his daughter, Wendy Prather of Carmel, IN, brother, Max Prather (Karen), sisters Dorena Pierce (Rick), and Tanya Prather (Ronnie Means) all of Martinsville, IN as well as his Aunt Judy & Uncle Stanely Payton of Martinsville, IN, and several nieces, nephews, and many friends. He is also survived by several important individuals in his life: Tony Bowlen of Bloomington, IN; Aiden Bowlen of Bloomington, IN; and Brady Bowlen of Fishers, IN.

He is preceded in death by his Mother, Frances Lucille Littell Prather, adoptive Father William “Bill” Prather, and nephew Eric Pierce.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held December 21, 2025 from 12pm – 4pm at the Martinsville American Legion, Post 230, 701 E. Morgan Street. All friends and family are welcome to attend and share a joke or a story in his honor.

In Rick’s memory & honor, donations can be made to Hadley Helps at www.hadleyhelps.org for donations/memorial. Their Mission is, “Empower older adults with vision loss to adapt and thrive.” Our family is grateful.

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870