Graveside services with Military Honors: Monday, May 24, 2021, 11:00 A.M., Thurman Cemetery, Thurman, Iowa.
Harold Dean Prather, 90 of Glenwood, Iowa passed away June 5, 2020 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dean was born on January 7, 1930 in Thurman, Iowa to Cecil and Leila (Martin) Prather.
Dean was raised in Thurman, Iowa and received his Bachelor’s degree from Peru State and his Master’s degree from U.N.O. Dean was united in marriage to Lois Jane Lathrop on August 25, 1954 in Indianola, Iowa. To this union their son Todd was born. Dean was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to the Common Wealth where he earned three Bronze Stars. During this time, he attended school in Japan. Dean was a member of the Harvey T. Rimel Post #141 Glenwood American Legion, Tabor V.F.W and the Elks Club.
After Dean and Lois were married, they resided in Calexico, California for seven years before moving to Glenwood in 1967.
Dean was a teacher and coach for many years. He was one of the first hired at Iowa Western Community College, where he became the director and set up counseling services as well as the athletic program. Dean was honored in their Sports Hall of Fame. He was a sports enthusiast and an avid golfer earning Club Champion awards many times. Dean never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with his family and friends.
Preceding Dean in passing were his parents and brothers Bill and Don. Survivors include his wife Lois Prather of Glenwood, Iowa; son Todd and wife Sandy Prather of Watsonville, California; granddaughter Jeannette and husband Eric Bent and their sons Eli and Luke of Scotts Valley, California; extended relatives and friends.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at a later date in the Thurman Cemetery, Thurman, Iowa.
Memorials may be made to Iowa Western Scholarship Fund in memory of Harold Dean Prather.
6 Condolences
Prather family, Sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. A very kind and caring gentleman. Always enjoyed visiting with him on the golf courses in SW Iowa. Prayers to your family at this most difficult time.
Lois and Family,
Really sorry to hear of Deans passing. He was an awesome guy. I will miss our conversations about Iowa Western Community college and Nebraska football. Always enjoyed the times we played golf in the Chamber (now RBI) tournament. He and his partner always won, but you would never of known it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Larry Winum
Dean was a gentleman, a scholar, and a great representative from the old town of Thurman.. He will be missed by all of us that knew him. Condolences to the entire family.
Lois — I am very sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts a prayers. From your former colleague at Northeast Elementary — Nancy
Prather family, Sorry to hear of Dean’s passing. My dad always sang Dean’s praises for being his favorite catcher. They had a special bond and can give each other a pat on the back, once again. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I ran into Dean and Lois in the grocery store in Tabor a couple of years ago. I think it was around Memorial Day. .He asked about people that he used to know from Thurman and Tabor. We had quite a nice conversation, although too short. He was always one of my favorite teachers in high school, plus he was from my home town. A lot of Thurman memories and a lot of Prather memories from he and his brothers and his mother. Always so friendly. He will be so missed. Condolences to Lois and the family. Rest in peace, Dean.
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