Wendell Prater

Wendell Jean Prater passed away peacefully on November 23, 2017 in Hughson, CA at the age of 89.  Wendell was born on October 25, 1928 to Joseph and Ethalia Prater in Escalon, CA, where he has been a lifelong resident. 

Wendell graduated as class valedictorian from Escalon High School in 1946.  He then served in the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean Conflict as a Master Sergeant.  When Wendell returned from the military he married his first wife, Nancy West Prater on January 17, 1958, the two were married until her passing in 1990.  Wendell worked for the Tri-Valley Growers for 21 years and retired in 1990, but his real passion was farming.  As a young man, Wendell was a Dairy farmer but would later farm walnuts for the Prater Family Ranch for most of his life.   In December of 1995, Wendell married his second wife, Nancy Ralphs Prater and they shared 22 years together.  Wendell was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Wendell leaves behind his wife, Nancy Ralphs Prater, his children, LaDonna Nunes Humphrey of Riverbank and Gary Joseph Prater of Escalon, his grandchildren, Jessica Nunes, Erica Nunes, James Nunes, Nancy Humphrey, Mikaela Humphrey, Matthew Humphrey, Dallas Mason, Ely Minas and Drake Minas along with three great grandchildren, Kianah Nunes, Reina Nunes and Tristan Mason.  Wendell also leaves behind his sister, Marian Hanner of Tracy.  Wendell is preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Fleisher Minas and his siblings, Maurene Prater and Gerald A. Prater. 

Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Prater family.  A visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 1st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Deegan Chapel in Escalon.  A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd at 11:00 AM at Burwood Cemetery.

 Service Information