Ray Eugene

Prather

Ray E. Prather, 81 of Paxton, died at 6:50 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Waverly East Cemetery, Waverly, Illinois.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements

Ray was born February 17, 1945, in Rushville, the son of Roy Keith and Helen Lucille Dean Prather. He married Maryalyce Moynihan December 28, 1990, in Paxton. She survives.

Along with his wife, Maryalyce, he is survived by his children, Rae Anne (Brian) Littrell of Springfield, Christopher (Susie) Prather of Aurora, Rebecca Prather of Waverly; two stepdaughters, Amanda (Tedd) Juricic of Loda, Amy (Timmy) Lake of Joliet; seven grandchildren; and one brother, Roger (Linda) Prather of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Rowe and two grandchildren, Owen and Logan.

Ray graduated from Waverly High School and received a Bachelor’s degree from MacMurray College, Jacksonville. He served in the United States Army Reserves. He was a farmer; had been a truck driver for Anderson-Clayton/Kraft and had been the administrator for the Illinois Knights Templar Home, Paxton.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Paxton and the Jacksonville Masonic Lodge. Ray enjoyed horse racing and gardening.

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, Paxton. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.