Herbert Clifton "Buddy" Prater

Herbert Clifton "Buddy" Prater, 92, of Thebes, Illinois passed away Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born February 24, 1930, in Cache, Illinois, son of Herbert and Ollie Busby Prater. He and Francis Houchens were married November 1, 1951 in Blytheville, Arkansas. She passed away September 2, 2008. After Buddy graduated high school he enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War when he was honorably discharged he had a rank of E-7 SFC. He went to work for the Egyptian School district as a bus driver retiring in 1992. Loving survivors include four children, Doris Ann Houchens of Cape Girardeau, Judy M. (John) Sutton and Steve (Saundra) Prater all of Thebes, Illinois and Charles (Julie) Prater of Cape Girardeau and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters Shirley Hale of Thebes, Illinois and Kay Hale of McClure, Illinois. In addition to his wife, Francis, Buddy was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Prater; five siblings, Mildred Simmons, James Prater, Maxine Croy, Bill Prater and Jerry Prater. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Funeral service will be Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home in Cape Girardeau with Rev Raymond MacAfee officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, Illinois. Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

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