Ewell Prather

Ewell Michael “Mike” Prather, 70, a loving, husband, father (“Snuppy”), grandfather, great-grandfather (“Papa”), and friend, passed from this world into Heaven on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by his family. Mike was born March 5, 1951, to Ewell and Laurene Prather in Cleburne, Texas. Mike was a graduate of Cleburne High School Class of 1969. Following his graduation from Cleburne, he attended the University of North Texas, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Psychology, graduating in 1974.

While at UNT, Mike ran a sprinkler business in the Denton area. After the passing of his father in 1980, Mike moved home to Cleburne to run the family business, Johnson County Feeders Supply, INC. For several years, Mike enjoyed greeting customers with a cup of coffee in hand and a list of stories to share. If he wasn’t in the office, you could find him running spray trucks in hay fields or cutting and baling hay from sunrise to sunset. Mike had a great love for agriculture, and he displayed this through his commitment to his customers and his love for being outside.

When he wasn’t working, Mike loved spending time with his family and being at his ranch in Rio Vista. If you asked him what he did for a living, he would answer that he was a Papa first and businessman second. His love for education and educating the young minds of his grandchildren was outspoken, as there was nothing he cherished more. Family vacations were also a favorite of his, from weeks in the mountains in New Mexico and Colorado, to the beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Mike had a profound love for spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a pastime which he loved to share with all, especially his grandson, Erin. He also had a huge passion for George Strait, Steve Miller Band, and various other artists to which you could find him dancing in the driveway or on the back porch with three-fingers of Crown Royal. His love and his selflessness were infectious, and his humor voracious. Mike lived his life to the fullest. He was a confidant, an advisor, and a motivator. Though he may not be here with us on Earth, the way he lived his life made an impression on all that knew him, he will live on in our hearts forever.

Mike is survived by his wife Pam, his daughters Niccah Crane and her husband Bryan; Nansa Cores and her husband Sean, his grandchildren Erin, Josh, and Abby Smith; Grayson and Asher Crane; Madison, Megan, and Marley Cores, and one great-granddaughter, Everlee Cores. Mike is also survived by countless friends who loved him dearly, and his two dogs, Tinky and Oliver, both of which were his pride and joy.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Ewell and Laurene Prather, his stepfather Joe Cleveland, and his daughter, Audra Nicole Donnelly Smith.

Service for Mike will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 7, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-6:00 P.M., Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the funeral home.