John Prather returned home to the arms of his Heavenly Father on January 16, 2012.

He was born February 20, 1944 in Vancouver, WA, the only child of Wayne and Mary Prather.

He served his country bravely as a Marine in the Vietnam War; and once home, continued to pursue his love of music. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings, including a recent mission at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. One of his greatest musical accomplishments was his calling with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, where he enjoyed the opportunity to perform as tenor soloist for many years.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, 4 children: Mechele (Sheldon), Lenee (Jeff), Suzanne (Robert) and Jonathan, 2 step children: Jamie and Melissa, and 8 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 24 at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 13085 S 300 E, Draper, Utah. A viewing will be held Monday, January 23 from 7-9 pm, and Tuesday, January 24 from 9:30-10:30 am at the same location. Interment will be at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Bluffdale, UT. Online condolences may be sent to wwwserenicare.com

Published by Deseret News from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2012.

Gary Tsujimoto January 13, 2022
I can't believe it has been 10 years since John's passing. His memory is still fresh and strong for me. I am reminded of him (as a mentor) every time I sing. I miss you John, and wish peace and happiness for your family.

Gary Tsujimoto February 11, 2012
Pat and Family,
Karen and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of John's passing. We loved to perform with John, and learned from him in many ways. John's dedication to our country's Veterans was inspiring. I learned to appreciate my own father's service in WWII more working and performing with John. May God bless you all. Gary & Karen Tsujimoto January 28, 2012

Dear Pat and family, i have never met you or your children, but wanted to extend to you and your family my sincerest sympathy and tell you how grieved and shocked i was to hear of John's tragic death. i am John's cousin; my dad, Harold and my aunt Mary were brother and sister. John and i, and our numerous other cousins, grew up together in Longview, WA. We attended the same church and schools together and he sang at my wedding. The last time i saw John was at our class reunion in the late 90's. From all the entries i've read, he was much loved and had accomplished so much with his singing talent. Remembering him, knowing he will be missed. May God's peace be with each of you. Love, Dianna Rowton - Spokane, WA January 28, 2012

Dear Pat: The service was very well-done. Especially did I enjoy your twins lovely rendition. Many of my photos turned out quite well but am having a problem contacting you to email them or deliver a set. I think you will like most, hopefully. Vesta St.Clair 801-685-2215 or vesta5734@gmail.com God bless. PAULINE FITZGERALD January 24, 2012

DEAR PRATHER FAMILY, I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AT THIS TIME. WHEN I WAS DOING DRAPER COMMUNITY THEATER I HAD THE PLEASURE OF PERFORMING WITH JOHN IN MY FAIR LADY. IT WAS SO FUN TO WORK WITH HIM. MAY PEACE AND COMFORT BE YOURS AT THIS TIME. HE WILL BE SINGING WITH THE ANGELS I'M SURE. Jeorld Ottley January 24, 2012 Dear Patricia and family, John was a valued member of the Tabernacle Choir. More importantly, he was a good friend and a great support to me personally. He fulfilled his commitments to the Choir, even in times of personal trial. We have had contact rarely since he left the Choir, but on the few occasions, when we met or talked on the phone, it was a delight to feel his spirit and share remembrances. God bless you now as you celebrate his life. Jerry January 23, 2012

I enjoyed John as the director of the West Valley Choral, he had such a wonderful talent and singing voice.May God bless his family. Gary Townsend

Breanna Brady January 23, 2012

Dear Prather Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of bowling with John and he was always such a nice guy. So friendly, funny and quick to sing you a song if you needed it. He will be truly missed.

January 23, 2012

I met john at a group a long time ago at the vamc and just before he had his passing , I was on the same bowling team in sandy.. We never spoke of it, but both respected what we had experienced.in a far away place He is now in a great place , where there is no war, and every day is a good day.

HE WAS A PROUD VETERAN. Lane Carter January 22, 2012

John loved bowling, and the friends he made at the bowling center. We will miss seeing him around.

Rebecca West January 22, 2012

Dear Pat and Family,

I was so stunned to learn of the accident, and then passing of Loren (John). I'm not sure if there are words to comfort. I know this. He loved his his girls Chelly, Nee and Sue, and his son Jonathan. He always celebrated them and his grandchildren, and he loved and cherished Pat as well. The world will miss his beautiful tenor voice. Even though he claimed he was becoming a baritone, it still sounded tenor to me. I suppose now he is singing in the heavenly choirs, and no doubt has plans of being heavily involved with them. I suspect he has had a sweet reunion with Pop and Mary. I pray that you may all find peace and comfort in your loss of a beloved husband and father. He will be missed.

Love to you all (especially Jonathan), Becca West

Carolyn Harmon January 21, 2012

The Emeritus Ladies of the Tabernacle Choir will remember John as one of our deceased members at our annual luncheon. I enjoyed singing with him in the Choir. I last saw him when he sang at President Smoot's funeral. He had a great voice!

Sincerely, Carolyn Taylor Harmon Secretary January 21, 2012

Dear Prather Family, It was my honor to sing with John in the choir. What a humble, wonderfully talented man. God bless you all. Kindest regards from Dianne Burton Miller

Shawna Gottfredson January 20, 2012

Dear Pat and Family,

How sad we are to hear of the loss of John. He was a great man. He never passed you but what he gave you a hearty hello and smile to light up your day. His beautiful voice will always linger in our memories. We love you and send our thought and best wishes to you at this time. May our Heavenly Father bless you with peace and comfort. Love, Don and Shawna Gottfredson

Robb Cundick January 20, 2012

It was wonderful to have John in the Tabernacle Choir. I enjoyed sitting near him on occasion. What a superb voice!

Stephanie Wood January 20, 2012

Dear Prather Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I loved singing with John in the choir and remember how kind and friendly he always was to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

January 20, 2012

Patricia and Family,

The Wednesday Practice Bowling League extends our sympathies to you over the sudden and tragic loss of your husband and father. We enjoyed bowling with John. He was always both lovable and fiercely competitive in desiring to do his best. He'll be missed.

Ray Matthews, Sgt. at Arms & Cher Larsen Sandy, Utah

David & Holly Willson January 20, 2012

Thanks for renting to us! You're amazing! We appreciate you and your wife and for sharing your voice talents with us nearly ever day. Our lives' has been touched for good by you. God be with you till we meet again!