Paul Allen Prather

Paul Prather, 62, of Sioux City passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at his home surrounded by his family. Per his wishes cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 from 3-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. A vigil service will then begin at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at St. Boniface Catholic Church with Father James Bruch celebrating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Paul Allen Prather was born in Sioux City on May 7, 1947 to Paul and Thelma Prather. He attended Catholic Schools in Sioux City graduating from Heelan High School. Paul was a faithful member of St. Boniface Catholic Church most of his adult life.

Paul was known for his meticulous and neat use of a paint brush, being a journeyman painter, and working through the Union 1973-1980. He formally was co-owner of E&P Construction and worked at Robb Ross. He worked in the warehouse at Aalfs Manufacturing and then was a custodian for the Sioux City Community School District. He was building maintenance chief for the Woodbury County Community Action Agency. Most recently, he was a building maintenance tech for Woodbury County and thoroughly enjoyed the varied duties, but most of all, the county employees who have shown their concern and appreciation during his illness.

You may have called him by one of his nicknames of Scurve, Raul, Paully over the years. He was known for the nicknames he gave many of his friends and his dry humor and quick wit. He was always up for a game of baseball or football with his extended family of day care kids. He was the happiest when he was building, remodeling or painting something.

He enjoyed many varied service groups, church groups, volunteer projects and part-time jobs. This included his many years of calling bingo at St. Boniface and cooking eggs for the mens club breakfast. He enjoyed umpiring softball at the Kings of Clubs field and the years as a member of Mother Truckers. He was known to have a good time at van and car club activities. He especially enjoyed rock n roll and looked forward to the annual trip to the Buddy Holly reunion in Clear Lake, Iowa. He supported faithfully the work in Interfaith Resources and the Crop Walk. Paul enjoyed the bond he had with the West High Prop Dads. His part-time job of delivering for Pizza Hut kept him in touch with the youth and he developed many lasting friendships there. A strong supporter of unions; most recently he was a proud member, union steward, and treasurer for AFSCME Local 3462.

Paul was married to Barb Mead on November 30, 1967 to which a son Shane was born. On August 30, 1985, Paul married Cheryl Day, to which a son, Ryan, was born.

He leaves behind his wife Cheryl of 24 years and two sons, Shane Prather and wife Janelle, Columbus, NE. Ryan Prather and fiance Ciarra Sperry of Sioux City. Three step sons, Jim Brinkerhoff Jr. and wife Cherie of Dallas, TX, Todd Brinkerhoff and wife Heather of Sioux City, Bradley Brinkerhoff and fiance Susan Heskett of Largo, FL, and his God Son, Brent Devries, nine grandchildren, Walker, Destyni, Makayla Prather, Amber Stywater, Eddie Miller, Tyler and Cody Brinkerhoff, and Hailey Brinkerhoff-Heskett, one great grandson Braxton Riggs, and foster granddaughter, Lily.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Bill Prather.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Denney Pinney, Joe Rose, Junior (Grizz) Devries, Jim (Greek) Mehess, Joe Lilly, and Bob Quist.