Kent Eugene Prater

September 8, 1962 - August 26, 2016

Kent E. Prater, 53, of Riverton, Illinois went home to be with the Lord on the morning of August 26, 2016. He was born on September 8, 1962, to Thomas Eugene and Barbara Allen (Beaty) Prater.

Kent is survived by his wife, Beth, daughter Kaitlin (Kyle), and grandson Lawrence Kent Wilcox, step-children: Jake (Kayla) and Jessica Parmentier, mother Barbara, brother Van, niece Annie, nephew Ben (Katie) and their daughter Sage, and many extended family, both near and far. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Prater. Kent was a doting husband, father, grandfather, son, and a loyal friend to many.

Kent graduated from Edinburg High School in 1980 and from Lincoln Land Community College after which he began his lifelong career in respiratory therapy. Kent worked at Memorial Hospital for a large part of his career and most recently at Vibra Hospital in Springfield.

Kent was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing, nature, woodworking, his dog Grace, and time spent with family. Always ready with a smile or a joke, Kent had a great ability to make everyone laugh. Kent was always there to lend a hand, an ear, and his time to family and friends. Kent lived his life as a truly good and kind man. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Gathering: 9 – 11 am, Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at South Fork Church of Christ, 7898 Johnson Road, Rochester, IL 62563.

Memorial Service: 11 am, Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at South Fork Church of Christ, Rochester, IL.

A private burial will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Humane Society.

Visitation Information

Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Time: 09:00 am - 11:00 am

South Fork Church of Christ

Address:

7898 Johnson Road

Rochester, IL 62563

Map

Service Information

Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Time: 11:00 am

South Fork Church of Christ

Address:

7898 Johnson Road

Rochester, IL 62563

Map

Memorial Information

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Humane Society.

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Tracy Doering posted on 8/31/16

Beth, so very sorry to hear about Kent. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kathy Fleming Vaughan posted on 8/30/16

I went to school with Kent and worked with him for a while at Memorial. He was always a nice person to be around. I'm so sorry for the family's loss. May God hold you close during this time of loss.

Mitch Wilson posted on 8/30/16

I knew Kent in High School. What a great guy he was. Always with the joke or a smile and sometimes a good basketball shot. I am proud and honored to have known him. I haven't seen Kent in quite a while, but he appears to have left his mark. Good job Kent! My thoughts and prayers are the many who will miss him. God bless you all.

Harold Moore posted on 8/29/16

I remember working with Kent during my time at MMC in RT. Saddened by the news of his passing, I always thought of him as one of the good guys.

Destiny C James posted on 8/28/16

I am shocked and surprised to read this. Kent was an amazing man. Praying for all family and friends

Lynn Pile posted on 8/28/16

My thoughts and prayers to all of his family. Kent was one of the kindest, nicest, caring souls I have ever met. He took care of my sister (Beverly Miller) at Vibra. I always knew when he was on duty he would care for her like she was his own family. It made it a little easier to leave her especially at night to know he was there. God Bless all of you. He was a wonderful man.

Seals Family posted on 8/28/16

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kent will be missed.

[email protected] posted on 8/28/16

So sorry for your loss to all surviving. I met Kent years ago as a new LLCC RT grad. Great guy to work with. Always a smile coming done the hall. Gonna miss ya, Kent. RIP Pam Brandon

Evelyn Thomas Risse posted on 8/28/16

So very sorry for your loss. (EHS class of 1981)

Mark Howard posted on 8/28/16

Thoughts and prayers to the family at a time of loss.

Mark & Nancy posted on 8/28/16

Saddened to hear this news. Kent was always fun to work with at MMC. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family and friends.

Julie (Ostermeier) Kueper posted on 8/28/16

I'm sorry to hear of Kent's passing. May the wonderful memories help the family thru this difficult time.

Marsha Day-Hobgood posted on 8/28/16

I always remember Kent as an outgoing and friendly person. I remember those basketball games and all of us cheering the team on and Kent playing his heart out. Also remember all the laughs in band! Lost track over the years as we all went our own way but thank you Kent for all the great memories.

Joann Adcock posted on 8/28/16

God bless you Kent, I will remember you in my prayers and thoughts and also your family

Wendy Pickel posted on 8/28/16

I am so sad to hear of Kent passing away. He was and will always be remembered as one of the sweetest easy going guys I have ever met and had the pleasure of working with at Memorial. Beth I am thinking about you and the family.

Jane Pearson Kodatt posted on 8/28/16

I am so sorry to hear about this.

Constance Steinhoff posted on 8/28/16

A longtime friend and huge role model, hunting buddy and close friend of my deceased son, Bryan Coffin. Very kind and upbeat person. My heart and prayers to Beth, his children and entire family and close friends.

Brent Cornell posted on 8/28/16

Sorry to hear this. He always made me laugh! Peace to all.

Becky Beckham posted on 8/28/16

I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family and friends.

Pam Martin posted on 8/27/16

Kent often cared for my mother, Beverly Miller, when she was at Vibra Hospital. He always came in the room with a big smile and soft hello. He was so kind and gentle with my mom and with everyone. I always felt good knowing she was in his hands when I left at night. We used to talk of his love of hunting and he would share stories with us. Truly a kind man. Heartfelt condolences for his wife, Beth and his entire family. You will all be in our prayers.

Melissa Davis posted on 8/27/16

My heart is breaking from this news. I so wish I could attend, but I took a new job in Lincoln and have to work that day! Hugs and prayers being sent your way! Kent will be GREATLY missed.

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