Ronnie Franklin Prater

Ronnie Franklin Prater was born September 11, 1955, in Hayti, Missouri.  He was the son of Howard Prater and Geraldine Jarred.

He departed this world and opened his eyes in the presence of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children.  He was 70 years old.

Ronnie met the love of his life, Susan Wallace, while at a line dancing class at Caruthersville Middle School.  They were united in marriage on June 1, 1996, and have been in love and dancing ever since.

He was a hard worker and never shied away from a do-it-yourself project, even if they weren’t projects meant to be done yourself.  He and Susan built their home, doing much of the work themselves, and then dug a hole in the yard and put in their own swimming pool.  He loved to watch his kids and grandkids enjoying their time there.

He was lovingly known by his grandkids as Pawpaw Ronnie or as Pop.

He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Caruthersville where he served as a deacon for many years.  He loved the Lord.

He is survived by his wife: Susan Prater; seven children: Ronnie Prater Jr. and his wife, Rita, Howard Prater, Cathryn Abrams, Amanda Maclin and her husband, Shawn, Nicholas Wallace & Whisper Wirtts, Sarah Beth Carpenter and her husband, Alex, and James Prater; five brothers: Dale Dormer and his wife, Renee, Earl Dormer, Don Prater & Mary Battles, Guy Prater and his wife, Linda, and Michael Prater; 17 grandchildren: Jerry Painter, Jordan Prater, Christian Dodson, Ronnie Prater III, Camron Prater, Haley Prater, Breanna Morrison, Jesse Prater, Cole Lindsey, Dallas Prater, Kingsley Prater, Brayden Prater, Hunter Maclin, Kaitlyn Maclin, Tarrna Wirts, Amelia Prater-Jones, and Eliza Abrams; 15 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandmother – “Mama Lead”, his sister – Angela Lafferty, and his son-in-law – Jeremy Abrams.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Caruthersville, Missouri, with Brother Shane O'Guin and Dr. James Adams officiating. Interment to follow in Maple Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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