Will Prather

Will Mason Prather, 90, of Vincennes Indiana, passed away on August 1, 2025, after an extended battle with Chronic Lung Disease. Will was born on January 25th, 1935, to Willie B and Ruby Prather in Garrard County Kentucky. Will married the love of his life, Alda Mae Goley.

Those who knew Will professionally recognized him as being a strong-willed, self-reliant man with highly successful civilian and military careers. He was a mentor, leader, and friend, who was always ready to assist the worthy who found themselves in need of an advocate. In May of 1983 Colonel Prather was given Command of the 2nd Infantry Brigade headquartered in Kokomo, Indiana. In December 1985 he assumed command of the 38th Division Support Command and served in that position until his retirement from the active National Guard in September 1987. In 1996 Will was approached by The Adjutant General, Major General Charles W. Whitaker, to Assume Command of the Indiana Guard Reserve and subsequently was appointed a Brigadier General by the Governor in February of that year. He assumed command and was promoted to Major General in July of 1996. He served as Commander of the IGR till retiring in October of 2005. Will was a Graduate of the Command and General Staff College. In addition to being named Sagamore of the Wabash, Will received numerous other awards. Additionally, to his military career, Will worked for what is current day, Duke Energy as an Area and Regional Manager at Greencastle and as Region Manager at Vincennes until his retirement in 1994.

In his personal life Will was a true renaissance man. Riding in his car you might have been treated to Opera, Scottish Bagpipes or Hank Williams all with equal enthusiasm and all in the same trip. He was an avid reader, amateur naturalist, storyteller, musician, painter, and cook, who was forever looking to extend his knowledge of the world and field of friends. He was always preparing for and looking forward to the next adventure and journey ahead.

As Will embarks on this next great adventure those who have been left behind will miss him greatly but know that we will all be together again one day.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie B. and Ruby Mae Prather along with his youngest sister Jeannie Humphrey.

Will is survived by his wife, of 69 years, Mae Prather; children Trent Prather and Kellie Sloan; siblings Gary Prather and Kathy Sibenthal; and numerous grandchildren.

Goodwin-Sievers is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Prather. Visitation will be held, Monday, August 4, 2025, at 524 Broadway Street from 4 to 6 pm. The Graveside Service will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 1 pm in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Madison, Indiana.

Donations can be made to the Salvations Army in Will's honor.