Lynn Prather

Lynn Prather 90, of Maryville, MO was born on August 14, 1921 in Tarkio, MO to parents James F. and Flora (Peck) Prather. His younger years were spent on the farm where he was the youngest of 2 sisters and one brother. He was a Tarkio High School graduate and attended Tarkio College, then the Iowa State University.

He was part of the “Greatest Generation”, working at the Remington Ammunition plant before joining the Army Air Corp in 1943 and becoming a bomber pilot. He flew the B-17 in the 8th Army Air Force stationed in England. Lynn was part of the 601st Bomber Squadron and the 398th Bomber Group. He flew 30 bombing missions in the European Theater and received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After the war, he moved to Grant City, MO., where in engaged in raising cattle. He married Marie J. Matheny on June 8, 1947. They had 3 children, Ken, Ann, and Bob. He was a member of the Grant City Methodist Church and was active on the school board and Farm Bureau. He was always supportive of school activities and enjoyed watching his sons participate in athletics.

After retirement, he and Marie enjoyed traveling and attending the 398th bomber group reunions.

Marie passed away in 1996. In 1997, Lynn married Maralee Almquist and they moved to Maryville, MO. They enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marie; son Robert Lynn in 1972; daughter in law Nancy Prather; sisters Mary Elizabeth Hensen, and Helen Weigle, and brother James F. Prather, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Maralee of the home; son Kenneth W. (Maria) Prather, Springfield, IL; daughter M. Ann (Mark) Divelbiss, Kimberling City, MO, and stepdaughter Jenell (David) Anderson, Coin, IA. He was also blessed with 4 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and 4 step great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Bram-Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, MO. The burial will be in the Grant City Cemetery, Grant City, MO at 1:00 PM Monday, January 16, 2012. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Worth County R-III Educational Foundation.