Gerald Lynn Prater, Sr.

Gerald Lynn Prater, Sr.

SANTA FE – Mr. Gerald Lynn Prater, Sr. passed from this life Monday evening, September 12, 2016, at his home in Santa Fe.

Born April 5, 1937 in Dallas, Mr. Prater had been a lifelong resident of Santa Fe. He retired from UTMB after 25 years where he had worked as a painter for Auxiliary Enterprises, was a full gospel ordained minister for 30 years, was a member of the Painters Local #585/130, loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Casimer and Mariam Prater; daughter, Mary Alice Murphy; grandchildren, Kenneth Schanfish and Joseph Schanfish; great-grandchild, Eddie Williams, III; brothers, Lawrence Pride, Raymond Pride, Ronnie Pride; sisters, Blanche Mattia and Frances Griebahn.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Lydia Prater; son, Jerry Prater and wife, Danette of Santa Fe; daughters, Karen Mendez and husband, Mike of Santa Fe, Christina Schanfish and husband, Neil of Santa Fe; brother Leonard Casimer of Florida; grandchildren, Bill Witt and wife, Jessica, Tyson Armstrong and wife, Jamie, Richie Broderick and wife, Briana, Samantha Legro and husband, Andrew, Jacob Prater, Eddie Williams and wife, Candace, Lloyd Murphy and wife, Meagan, Lauren Schanfish, Faith Schanfish, Natalie Haynes; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, with Reverend Joe S. Garcia, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Preston Armstrong, Richie Broderick, Andrew Legro, Bill McBride, Jr., Jacob Prater, Faith Schanfish, Lloyd Simpson, Jr., Eddie Williams, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Tyson Armstrong and Bill Witt.

Visitation with the family will be from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501. 

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