Robert Lee Prater, 80, Vinton, Ohio (formerly of St. Mary’s, Ohio), passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2012, in Holzer Senior Care Center, Gallipolis, Ohio. He was born September 15, 1932, in Garrett, Kentucky, son of the late Hager and Laura (Ratliff) Prater. He retired in 1970 after serving in the U.S. Air Force for twenty years.

Following his service career, he was employed by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a quality control lab manager. His memberships include Mercer F&AM Lodge 121, where he was past master and fifty-year member; Scottish Rite, Dayton, Ohio; Shriners’ Antioch Temple; Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels; Ohio Eastern Star; and a life member of the VFW. He enjoyed golfing, trap shooting, playing guitar and singing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife, Doris Elizabeth (Farley) Prater. He is also survived by his children, Robert Lee (Pam) Prater, Jr., St. Mary’s, Ohio and Deborah (Robert) Otting, Minster, Ohio; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; brother, Ruben (Juanita) Prater and sister, Jackie Hicks; step-sons, Steven (Francie) Pridemore and Anthony (Stephanie) Pridemore; step-daughter-in-law, Rachel Pridemore; fourteen step-grandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his son, David Prater; two grandchildren; brother-in-law, Ballard Hicks and step-son, Gregory Pridemore.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 22, 2012, in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton with Rev. Chris Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park. Family and friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Robert’s memory to: The Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1900 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40502.

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com.