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1924 - 2003
 Frank Chester Prater Jr., age 78, of Grayson, KY, died Wednesday, August 20th, 2003, in Kings Daughters Medical Center.
He was born October 10th, 1924, at Flemingsburg, KY, a son of the late Frank Chester Sr. and Hebe John Everman Prater.
He was a Broadcaster in Radio & Television, starting in Columbus, OH while attending Ohio State.
During WWII, after basic training, Frank traveled the South Pacific as entertainment for the American troops. He came back to WBNS in Columbus, and then went to Indianapolis in both radio and television in the 1960’s.
His primary employer was Time Life in which he flew to New York several times to do the Arthur Godfrey Show, ABC Wide World of Sports doing the Indy 500 and several golf tournaments.
Frank broadcasted under the name of “Frank Roberts’ on WHFB in Benton Harbor, MI in 1971. He never had a script and did his own commercials. He did lots of public speaking at several events.
He played professional golf in FL for two years and was awarded the first golf scholarship @ Ohio State in the 1940’s. His golf idols were Jack Nicholas and Ben Hogan both whom he met.
Frank was the Mayor of Grayson in 1981 serving until 1985 and was on the city council starting in 1979.
He was a member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ, WWII and Korean Army Veteran, a member of Sunny Inc. and the USGA of America.
Preceding him in death was a daughter, Michelle “Mickey”.
His survivors include:
His wife of 28 years:
Jane Hadley Prater Grayson, Ky
3 daughters:
Pamela
Patty Sue
Melody all of Indianapolis, IN
1 son:
John Gerhold Columbus, OH
1 sister:
Mary Jeanette Morgan Harlingen, TX
2 stepsons:
David Carlock Hollywood, CA
Mark Carlock Newton, Iowa
8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 342 Grayson, Ky 41143 or the Frank Prater Memorial Fund c/o Malone Funeral Home 325 Malone Lane Grayson, KY 41143
Condolences can be made to the family at www.timeformemory.com/malone
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There are currently 10 condolences.
Mary Shaffer Bush
Monday February 9, 2004 at
8:42 PM
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Jane, It's been a little while now since Frank went to be with the Lord. But I think of him often. I recall clearly when we lived on Holcomb St. right next to you. I recall Mr. Frtiz, your little dog. I'll never forget how kind the two of you were to me and my family. In May 1977 our hearts were broken at the sudden loss of my dad, Freeman Shaffer. The two of you were so compassionate. Frank gave me a bicycle that had a generated light on the front of it so that I could ride after dark, I just thought that was so neat! And one of the nicest gestures ever made to us of my dad was when Frank set a small sappling in your front yard and explained to me that he'd put it where he could sit in the living room, look out the window and watch it grow. He said he named the tree Freeman. He also made reference to the beauty of heaven and what it would be like for Dad to sit on a beautiful riverbank there and fish (Dad's greatest hobby!) I will never forget what a compassionate man he was. The little things people do to comfort us in our time of grief are therefore not so small after all. Frank was a wonderful person.
It's in memories like these that our loved ones are never that far away. I'm sure that he and Dad have crossed paths by now and if at all possible, casting, putting and smiling. Nevertheless I do truly believe they are happy. Our prayers are with you Jane, for the two of you were the perfect couple. God bless and keep you. Love, Mary & Jeff Bush
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Debbi Bailey
Debbi.Bailey@pathways-ky.org
Friday September 5, 2003 at
1:14 PM
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Jane, Please know that you have many friends who are here for you.
I am so sorry for your loss, and Frank will be missed by all. Call
any time for any reason. Debbi Bailey
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Randall, Mary & Justine
nn4g@unionline.net
Tuesday September 2, 2003 at
8:52 PM
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Jane, we are so sorry about the loss of your dear husband and our dear friend, Frankie. I really enjoyed playing golf twice a week with him and the others. We had a lot of laughs and were the brunt end of a lot of his jokes. Let me know if you need anything. Any of us would be delighted to rush to your aid. Randall & Mary Everman & Justine Baker
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Jane Prater
praters@email.kcc.edu
Sunday August 31, 2003 at
1:28 PM
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I want to thank everyone for all your heartfelt condolences.
He was the love of my life & the center of my world. I will miss him terribly, but his spirit & love will remain with me always.
He was a wonderful husband, a courageous gentle soul who loved life, his family, friends, & his pets. He had great respect for all people everywhere in the world. He was a man of his word who's impact on others was profound. Yet he never abused that gift.
In his memory, many have voiced the desire to share their feelings & thoughts about Frank.
He did not wish a traditional funeral, but hoped others would gather to celebrate his life instead, & remember the good times. He loved to laugh & tell his endless supply of tales to those whom he loved & respected, his friends.
To honor his last wishes, an Open House is being planned for Friday, Sept. 5th at the New Grayson Conference Center next to the Holiday Inn Express at the Grayson, Ky. Exit of I-64.
A private time with Rev. Dorsey, who married us, is scheduled for family, at 6:00 P.M., just prior to the Open House.
I hope to see everyone who cared about Frank at the Open House from 6:30 to 9:00 P.M. Next Friday, Sept. 5th.
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don & joann hinken
donjoann@mrtc.com
Thursday August 28, 2003 at
7:03 AM
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dear jane, we are so sorry for your loss. we had not heard from you in a while and tho't he might be ill.we will pray for him. hope to be there on the 5th. don and joann
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Dave Carlock
Thursday August 28, 2003 at
4:55 AM
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Frank Prater was a hell of a guy. He was good to my mom for nearly 30 years and that's really what was most important about him to me.
He helped her, and anyone around him, remember to keep a sense of humor about life and was a great companion for my mom.
One of the greatest things about Frank was his outlook on life as reflected in his politics. He was a mayor in a largely conservative area, yet he was a Democrat, or at least was later in life. He understood how to communicate with those who were quite different than he was, yet leave them oblivious to the differences in the end.
Frank's life was much like the layers of an onion to me. Though I knew him since I was a young boy, I was always learning more about the myriad of things he'd done, and usually by accident! During my mom's first trip to visit my family after moving to Hollywood, I discovered he had once lived there himself and was a struggling actor in the 40s. At that time, I had been in the entertainment business for 10 years, yet he had never told me that! Hilarious!
Based on the bits and pieces I was able to stumble across, Frank lived a fascinating life. Yet his modesty mandated revealing his achievements in a manner not unlike finding a hidden treasure or a secret level on a video game.
Frank had a sense of humor as well and is well known for his witty remarks. But I think some of the funniest stories about Frank were the times he invited in some local Jehovah's Witness recruiters. While the men expected to recruit a new soul, Frank gave them the chance on multiple visits to watch Frank watching golf on TV. On another visit, Frank insisted on showing the devout gentlemen some offcolor email humor he'd received. Always a giver, Frank thought about sharing a beer with the guys as well, but I think they left before then.
Frank was an original, and like anything else truly original, those who knew him will never be the same after knowing what life was like with him. He will be missed.
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Tim & Jody Smith
tbob@parrett.net
Wednesday August 27, 2003 at
11:02 PM
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Frank was special in our lives and we are better for that. Sometimes the Lord creates friendships that last a life time and for that we feel blessed. Frank was that kind of friend, made you feel special just being around him, he could light up a room just by walking in. He could strike up a conversation with stray dog or talk to a crowd of thousands, he could communicate with anyone and they would enjoy it. We are better people for knowing him and the times we had together were special.They will always be in our hearts. Know one is ever forgoten it is that some are remembered more often and Frank is one of the more often. He was very dear to our hearts and when he moved to ky we missed him very much. Frank and Jane were two people that were made for each other and the Lord is blessed to have Frank in his kingdom. Someday we will all be together in the Lords kingdom and I am sure that Frank will greet us with clubs in hand. Love Tim & Jody Smith
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Jennifer Hilbink-Lehner
jjlehner@pngusa.net
Wednesday August 27, 2003 at
8:53 PM
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I remember Frank when I was a little girl. I was visiting him with my mom Margaret Hadley Hilbink. At the time he was running for Mayor. He gave me a big kiss and sat me on his lap and gave me a green beaded necklace and some cards that said Vote for Frank Prater for MAYOR. He told me to hang to them for someday he would be famous. When I think of that it always makes me smile.
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Sue and Dave Nestell
Nestellgia@webtv.net
Wednesday August 27, 2003 at
6:34 PM
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Although I never met Frank personally, his co-workers at the radio station were always speaking highly of him and I felt I knew him and his great sense of humor. He will be missed by so many... our thoughts and hearts are with you...Hugs OX
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Juanita, John and Joshua Napier
jnapier@qx.net
Saturday August 23, 2003 at
11:38 AM
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Jane,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We loved Frank, he was so witty and fun, always had a joke to make me laugh. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call. I will come to see you soon.
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