Clifford "Dutch" Prater

Clifford (Dutch) Earl Prater, 86, passed away in Woodland Park, Colorado on August 25th, 2023. Cliff was born February 11, 1937 to Flora Beatrice Prater in Pratt, KS. His mother married Clifford Owen Campbell. He was an only child, and he was very close to his grandmother C.B. Prater. 

On November 25th, 1978 he married Paula Sue Prater (Stangel) at her parents house in Papinville, MO. Shortly after they had Shawn Clay Prater and Catharine Beatrice Prater. Early on in his life he moved around quite a bit, originally starting out in Hominy, OK. He attended high school in California where he ended up graduating and then went into the Air Force, spending 4 years in the service. After he got out, he moved into Bea (Flora) and Clifford's house here in Woodland Park, Colorado where he has been ever since. He attended Mountain View Methodist Church where he was awarded the Quiet Disciple Award, and helped out a lot by making food for events and even played softball on their team. Cliff worked at Pepsi Co. as a serviceman for 32 years in Colorado Springs where he met Paula, and earned many awards there for his hard work and years put in. He enjoyed bowling, and even bowled on a league with his wife, Paula, and won many trophies for that as well. Cliff also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, dominoes, watching and reading westerns, and most importantly of all he loved spending time with his family and his three grandkids. He would give them rides on his four wheeler all over the property and play many board games with them at the table. Cliff had a unique sense of humor and was never afraid to tell you how it is. He always had many stories to tell and would constantly crack any jokes where he could. (Sometimes probably even at times he shouldn't have)

Cliff is survived by his wife Paula, son Clay Prater and (wife) Faith Prater, daughter Catharine Becker and (husband) Chris Becker, granddaughters Haley Prater and Cheyenne Becker, and grandson Cody Becker, and dear long time friend Chancey (Slim) Loop. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Clifford Campbell, Bea (Flora) Prater, grandma C.B Prater, and dear long time friend Sue Loop. 

You are welcome to stop by and visit us from 2-4 pm on Sunday, September 17th, 2023 at 57 Old Wagon Rd in Woodland Park, Colorado in memory of Cliff. Feel free to bring flowers or cards if you wish and share some kind words and fond memories with his family. 

Thank you to Mountain Memorial Funeral Home for being so wonderful and helpful during this difficult time. 

Cliff will be very deeply missed by all. 

“When the road looks rough ahead, remember the ‘Man Upstairs’ and the word hope. Hang onto both and ‘tough it out’” - John Wayne

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