On Sunday, December 27, Kenneth Earl Prather Sr. died at the age of 87.
Prather was born on May 9, 1933 in Detroit to Earl Sr. and Agnes (Masanko) Prather. He earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from University of Detroit Mercy in 1955 and his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1959. He practiced family law for 57 years.
Prather taught family law for 17 years at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law when he wrote a 1500-page course book titled "Family Law Course Book" covering the theoretical and practical aspects of family law in Michigan. He had been a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 1973 and served as chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Beginning in 1983, he had been listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" as one of the best family lawyers in Michigan.
Prather was an athlete with a love for basketball, tennis, and golf. He supported his love of arts and compassion for the condition of others through donations supporting those endeavors. He was known for his quick wit, his infectious yet quiet laugh, and his kind spirit. He encouraged others to pursue excellence in athletics, education, and/or profession.
Prather is survived by his four children, Eric, Kimberly, Laura, and Ken Jr.; his step-children Stuart (Marie) McCubbrey and Heather (Lance) Platz; his grandchildren Christina (Kevin) Hinds, Lindsey (Edwin) Martinez, Ken III, Alex, and Maxwell Prather; his step-grandchildren Paul and GraceLian McCubbrey; his great-grandchildren Calvin and Andrew Hinds; his cousin Shirley Sperling; his fiance' Jane Ahlfeld; and his lifetime friends, Ed (Lorraine) Nussel, Frank (Barbara) Terrell, Bud Feely, and many others. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Agnes; his brother, Earl Jr.; his sister, Joyce; his wife, Jeanette; his son Jon; and his daughter, Lisa.
A private virtual service was held on Friday, January 1. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Kenneth E. Prather Sr. can be made to University of Detroit Mercy - Athletics at www.udmercy.edu/giving/donate.
