Richard Prater

Richard “Rue” Prater, 45, of Greenwood, left this world too soon, on April 8^th, 2024. He was born July 12^th, 1978, to parents Michael and Carol (Gebhart) Prater.

Richard grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Scecina High School in 1997.

He went on to work as a merchandiser for Sam’s Club on E. Washington and in Greenwood for 16+ years.

On May 6^th, 2013, Richard married the love of his life, Michelle (Hood).

Richard was a strong, compassionate man, with a great sense of humor. Richard wanted to make everyone smile and feel welcome. A true family man, Richard adored spending time with his wife, children, and extended family. You could always come to him for a good hug, a good laugh or a favor, as he was always willing to help. Richard was passionate about reptiles and snakes, and a founding member of Naptown Reptiles, which he ran with his cousin Chad Stanger. He was a proud cheer dad for his daughter Madisyn and his cheer daughters at Woodmen Power Cheer. He loved making cheer pins for the girls to hand out. He was an avid hockey fan and a huge fan of his team the Chicago Blackhawks. To relax, Richard enjoyed fishing, building Lego’s, playing video games, and watching movies.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Richard is survived by his wife Michelle Prater; daughters Haley Prater (Anthony LaPinta) and Madisyn Boyd-Prater; son Kordell Boyd; grandson Brantley Boyd; father Michael Prater; sisters Susan Benge (Jake Shuffitt) and Linda Baldwin (Sean); nieces and nephews Keara Ladd, Kyle Sanderfer, Breanna Baldwin (Hunter Hicks), Nolan Baldwin, Justin Benge (Amber), Cassandra Patton (Mark), Conner Benge, Jackson Benge, Liberty Cullison, Ensley Cullison, and Kyla Patton.

He is preceded in death by his mother Carol Prater, his son Mark Hefley Jr, nephew Romyn Benge, uncle Michael Gebhart and aunts Martha Gebhart & Karen Blacketer.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park East, 4 pm – 8 pm. His funeral service will be Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11 am. He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Woodmen Power Cheer in his name. He loved his fellow cheer parents and loved the girls like they were his own. His legacy will live at the gym!