Michael Keith Prather, son of Don and Betty Prather, was born , April 4, 1954 in St. Louis, MO. and moved to Springfield in 1964. He departed this life Thursday, October 11, 2012 in his home. Mike just found out September 6th of his cancer not knowing anything about having it. He was in very good spirits all the way through his illness.He was preceded in death by his father, Donald A. Prather, Sr.Survived by his loving mother and two brothers Kevin and Andy. Also, Kevin’s wife, Melissa and two nephews, Ryan and family and Aaron and neice, Hannah. Also, Uncle Clarence and close cousins and friends.He went to Parkview Highschool enjoying some of the best days of his life with friends and sports, just like all of us in these years of living and learning. He grew up going to Grace United Methodist Church. Mike worked for Frisco Railroad and Queen City Trucking. Mike’s hobbies were working in the the yard with his biggest interest being dogs. He loved all dogs and had many. He loved it when his nephews, neice and cousins would come visit always getting some kind of games mischievous stuff ready to play on the kids. He loved doing stuff with them and they loved being with him and couldn’t wait to see what he was going to do to them. Mike wanted to thank all the doctors, nurses, aids and all the helperson the 7th floor at Mercy Hospital. He also wanted to thank Mercy Hospice for all their great care. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Grace United Methodist Church with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 a.m. 600 S. Jefferson. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South.