Robert “Big Bird” F. Prather, Sr., 72, of Bethalto, passed away at 11:02 a.m. Sunday, January 12, 2014 at his home.
He was born on May 21, 1941 in Chicago, the son of the late Fred and Matilda Prather.
He was formerly married to Bernice Stiftner.
Robert was an owner/operator of Transport Designs out of Savage, MN for ten years. He enjoyed motorcycles, watching westerns and driving his truck across country.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Rob and Liz Prather II and Chris and John Roberts, all of Bethalto, Jesse Prather of Texas, Teresa and Jeff Evans of Carlinville, Pam and Dean Allen of Shipman and Wayne Prather of Springfield; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his siblings, Harold Prather, Dolly Rager and Jean Jskrzynski and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 12 brothers and sisters.
Services were through Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.