Deward "Dude" Allen Prater

Deward “Dude” Allen Prater of Rockhouse Creek, Salyersville, KY, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, KY, at the age of 75 years, 8 months, and 8 days. Deward was born on Sunday, January 9, 1949, in Logville, KY, to Dorothy June (Kennard) Prater and the late Carl Prater. In addition to his father, Deward was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tommy and Louise (Phipps) Prater and Roll and Carrie (Franklin) Kennard; one brother, Charles Prater; one niece, Tammy (Prater) Patrick; one nephew, Adam Montgomery, and one great-nephew, R.J. Montgomery.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Prater of Salyersville, KY; one sister, Linda (Steve) Finch of West Liberty, KY; and two brothers, Kenny (Brenda) Prater of Salyersville, KY; and Mitchell (Brenda) Prater of Grassy Creek, KY. Deward is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, whom he helped raise and who loved him dearly: Gretta (Freddie) Hylton, Matt Hylton, Carla (Hunter) Williams, Bentley, Grayson, and Hudson Williams; Crystal Montgomery, Trevor (Brittany) Montgomery, Lukas, Corbin, Kolton, Harlynn, and Bexley Montgomery; Arin and Zion Gillette; Kayla (Daniel) and Wrenleigh Griffith; Angel, Kat, and John Montgomery; Kim (Mike) Hall, Garrison Edler, Jaiden, and Lazarus Hall; Amanda (Brian) and Alex Lee; Michael (Faith) Prater and Felicity Prater, Tanner (Courtney) Patrick. Deward also leaves behind a special friend – his beloved cat, Jack.

Pallbearers will be Tanner Patrick, Garrison Edler, Matt Hylton, Trevor Montgomery, Alex Lee, Hunter Williams, Jaiden Hall, Lazarus Hall, and Mike Hall.

Deward was saved and baptized at Lacy Creek in 1967 and was a devoted member of the Martha Enterprise Baptist Church. He loved attending church, listening to gospel music, and hearing the word of God.

Born and raised in the heart of Appalachia, Deward cherished the farm he called home, where he spent his life caring for the land. He found great satisfaction in being outdoors – he loved a freshly mowed lawn and a flourishing garden. Deward took great pride in his work. He ensured the family farm and home were always in order.

It is often said that "Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” Deward lived by this. After completing the day's outdoor chores, he could be found inside, making sure the house was tidied. Only then would he relax with a bowl of popcorn or some ice cream, to watch his favorite Westerns or WWE wrestling on TV.

Deward’s love for life was evident in the small things. On sunny days, he could be found swinging in his outdoor swing while listening to religious hymns on the radio, and singing along with his karaoke machine. While indoors, Deward enjoyed writing in his journals. He kept track of all the family birthdays, holidays, and even all the phases of the moon each month.

Weekends were special to Deward, as he cherished visits from family and friends as well as fellowship with his church family. Deward’s love for children was unmatched. Over the years, he helped raise all the children in the family. He cared for his nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and even his great-great-nieces and nephews. Deward’s influence on our family was immeasurable. He taught us to play hard but also to work hard and take pride in our work. More importantly, he taught us to care deeply for others and, above all, to hold firm to faith in the Lord. Deward always had a smile on his face and joy in his heart. His kind and welcoming spirit brought light and happiness to everyone around him. Deward never met a stranger—everyone was his neighbor. Whether he encountered someone once at Walmart or had dinner with them every Sunday, Deward greeted them with his signature, "Hello, neighbor." Deward's best friend was his cat, Jack. Every morning, he made sure Jack was greeted with a cup of milk alongside his breakfast, and each night, Jack received treats before bed. Deward's gentle care for Jack was a true reflection of the purity of his heart.

Deward loved all of his family dearly, but his parents were who he treasured most. His love for his parents, Carl and Dorothy, was one of the most enduring relationships of his life. Their bond was one of mutual love, bringing joy and warmth to their days together. Together, they set an example of what true family love should be. They worked side-by-side together, worshipped together, and shared countless meals around the family table, always united in love and support for one another. Deward treasured those moments of togetherness, and his heart was filled with joy whenever he reminisced about his childhood. He loved sharing stories of growing up with his siblings—Charles, Kenny, Linda, and Mitchell—bringing laughter and life to every conversation. Those cherished memories, full of love, laughter, and togetherness, were a testament to the family bond that meant everything to Deward. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the life Deward lived and find comfort knowing he is in a better place. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will continue to inspire all of us for generations to come.

Funeral service will be held 1:00pm,Friday, September 20,2024 at Herald & Stewart & Halsey Chapel with Bro. Cortis Ison and Bro. Dean Ball officiating. Burial in the Prater Family Cemetery, Rockhouse Creek, Salyersville, KY Visitation, 6:00pm, Thursday at Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home, West Liberty, KY.

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