Robert Grady Prater

Robert 'Bob' Prater passed away peacefully in his sleep on 4/15/2020 at the age of 90 years & 5 months. Survived by his wife Florres Prater "Flo", daughter Terri Prater, stepchildren Scott Stubbs & wife Robin Stubbs, Randy Stubbs & wife Debbie Stubbs, Cindy Hand & husband Kelly Hand, David Stubbs & wife Kelley Stubbs, grandchildren Jennifer & Blaine, Jackie & Eric, Michael & Emily, Ashley & Jon, Brittany & Justin, Jasmin & Scott and Great grandchildren Savannah & Eva, Landon & Kinsley, Baby Hudson and Loved by an abundance of extended family and friends.

Bob was born on November 4, 1929 in Hattisburg, Mississippi. Served our country in the US Navy on the U.S.S. Devastator receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal before his honorable discharge on August 21, 1959

After his military service he moved back to Tucson building and owning Pantano Stables off of Houghton Road in Tucson, AZ. Boarding horses, breeding horses, bull riding and roping became his way of life. Bob knew everything about horses and bred two of his favorite Studs, Duz Bar Tater (daddy of) Russet Tater (Tater for short). Together (Russet Tater & Bob) did a lot of riding, roping and Bull riding winning many awards and was featured on the cover of several magazines. He went to school to become a veterinarian but life took him down a different path and becoming a horse breeder, bull riding and roping became his passion.

But, the real adventure began when he met and married the love of his life Flo Prater on October 2, 1980. For 39 years they created a life full of traveling, horse breading, loving their dogs Pard & Willie and any other creature lucky enough to cross their paths. In the early years of their marriage Bob was on several commercials including 'Hubba bubba Bubble Gum' had several camo's in Western movies out on the "Old Tucson" movie set and with Flo always by his side taking pictures to capture every moment. Flo had the sweetest nickname "Robear" that only she called him and boy did he adore and love her!

As their 'Brady Bunch' family grew up there was always adventures to be had and enough room for a little trouble on their ranches in Benson and Clay Springs. There was never a dull moment, always time for hard work, fun, pranks, hiking, fishing, hunting and riding horses gave all their kids an appreciation for the love of animals and the great outdoors.

Spending time with life long friends who had known him since elementary school, and many special friends along the way he enjoyed the rodeo circuit in Tucson and the White Mountains, watching Black & White westerns, reading books, gardening, having cook outs, Bar-B-que and Peach Cobbler! There wasn't a moment or memory he didn't enjoy and gladly shared his stories with everyone.

Later in his years Bob worked at the Paper Mill in Snowflake, AZ and finally retired with Flo dividing their time between Pinetop and Tucson for many years. He spent the rest of years enjoying his daughter, step children and adoring his grandkids and great grandchildren where once again a new generation could appreciate the life and adventures of this great man.

We all love you and will always miss you.
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A Cowboys Last Request

Let me tell you folks
Who have gathered here today,
That I'm a proud and thankful cowboy
Who has just passed away.

I know it's hard
But, please don't cry
For I'm now ridin' God's trails
High up in the sky.

The hoss I'm ridin' now
Don't spook, buck or kick
For God stables perfect horses
And now I have my pick.

I have lived a good life
A cowboys dream come true
Thank you Lord,
For I'm now ready to ride into eternity
Me, my horse and You.

By Terry Ike Clanton