If I forget your name tomorrow
Please let me apologize today.
Don't give me pity or sorrow
A new moment is on the way.
It will be peaceful and stress free
The past and future won't bother me.
You'll have the history that we've had
Most was happy; you won't be sad.
Just remember how happy I've been.
To meet new people and let them in.
Give all strangers love and a smile
It might be me once in a while.
- Lawrence Prather, "Remember Me"
Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” Prather Jr., aged 89, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 7, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, Larry was the son of Lawrence and Clara Prather. He was a devoted husband to Kathy and a cherished father to Melissa and Justin.
Larry was raised by his mother in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School on the GI bill after completing his service in the military. He went on to receive a degree in Fine Arts from Drake University to become an art teacher. He was teaching in Boone, Iowa, where he met Kathy Petersen, who was also a teacher. They were united in marriage on August 20, 1972, in Merrill, Iowa.
Larry was a dedicated and steady supporter of his family. They lived in Iowa, raising Melissa and Justin, while Larry worked in the automotive business and Kathy continued teaching. In 1988 they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and lived there for the next 36 years.
Larry was a gifted potter, poet, and painter whose creativity and passion touched many lives. His beautifully crafted pottery, evocative poetry, and vibrant paintings were a testament to his boundless imagination and artistic skill.
Throughout his life, Larry found joy in expressing himself through his art and sharing his talents with others. Even in his final days, he expressed his wishes to teach young children art, especially pottery - so they would have something special to keep for themselves.
In addition to art, he enjoyed fishing. His happiest moments were spent with his family during summer vacations at Lake Okoboji, spending hours fishing off the dock at Vacation Village.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Clara Prather, and brother, Bill Prather.
Larry is survived by his wife, Kathy Prather of Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Melissa Schimmel of Phoenix, AZ; son, Justin Prather of Maricopa, AZ; grandchildren: Samuel and Max Schimmel; and Ethan and Autumn Mitchell, and Andrew Prather; brothers-in-law: Kevin (Linda) Petersen of Quartz Hill, CA, Gary (Cheryl) Petersen of Storm Lake, IA and Rick (Vikki) Petersen of Clearwater, FL; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Larry will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on through his beautiful artwork, cherished memories, and the love he shared with his family and friends.
In honor of his memory, the family requests that donations be made to Free Arts for Abused Children in Arizona (https://freeartsaz.org/).
Please feel free to post photos, your favorite memories, and please enjoy the selection of Larry's poems included below.
Larry's Poems
Each time I leave I'm close to tears.
It makes me happy everyday
I know I'll miss the friends and play.
But we'll return again next year
And make new friends I have no fear.
I'll keep coming until I die
Then as an angel back I'll fly.
Can give happiness
To an unknown friend
Who might have less.
He took my brother away from me.
Was then years later when we met
Had never seen each other yet.
We were together that school year
Then as before he was not here.
Another seven years went by
Didn't keep in touch don't know why.
Then was invited to visit him 2000 miles away
Rode a bus to Oregon, excited that day.
Hard to explain how it makes me feel
Been my obsession for fifty years
Gets rid of problems and even fears.
I played with mud when I was three
but no one here will yell at me.
Ask for help when you need a hand
I know your teacher will understand.
When you see your finished art
and feel how much it warms your heart,
surely you'll appreciate
that your work is really great.
So take it home and how it now
let others see you take a bow.
You will see them envy you
wishing they could do that too.
That's exactly how you'll feel
when you get back to the potter's wheel.