Neal Prather grew up in Garrard County and has always had a special place in his heart for the community and Lancaster although he spent a good deal of his time elsewhere.
Monday morning new playground equipment donated by his family was dedicated in his name at the Logan-Hubble Park.
“I think he would be very proud of this,” his widow Diane said. “He loved kids. He loved to see them having fun.”
He always felt that perhaps in a small town there were times the younger ones did not have much to do, she said.
Looking out over the large crowd at the dedication, she saw a lot of people who supported them, especially him, while he was fighting his battle with brain cancer.
Their son, Jeff, also spoke at the occasion, saying it represents everything his father stood for– children, his family and his friends.
“He is watching. I know he is smiling from ear to ear. Maybe one day….,” he ended almost coming to tears.
State Representative Lonnie Napier said that Prather was always a big supporter of the community. He told about him going to Florida for three or four months a year but would always wait to buy his clothes from Napier Brothers when he came back to town.
Along with thanking the Prather family for their donation, Judge-Executive John Wilson thanked the Garrard County Road Department, especially Road Supervisor Kenny Kinnaird, Magistrate Ronnie Lane, the Logan-Hubble Park board and Lincoln County for their help in installing the equipment.
He also thanked County Treasurer Louise Robinson for her help. When the Prather family was looking for a way to donate, she suggested playground equipment for the park, he said.
The Prather donation was for $26,500 to purchase the equipment that included slides, tubes, ladders, and various levels. It was madefrom 35,000 recycled milk jugs and comes with a 100-year guarantee.
Wilson said the donation for the equipment was greatly appreciated. Two grant applications have been turned down for equipment for the park.
After graduating from high school, Prather joined the service and met Diane in her native Virginia.
The couple spent most of their married life there, where he worked as a pipeline welder but spent a lot of vacations and holidaysin Garrard County visiting his family and friends.
The couple retired to Florida in 2003 and also maintained a home on Kelly Ridge in Garrard County, splitting time between them. Prather was diagnosed with brain cancer a year ago and died in May at the age of 66.
Beside his wife and son, Prather’s daughter Kim and their granddaughter Brittany along with several cousins and family members were present.
At the end of the ceremony, Lancaster Elementary children attending were allowed to play on the equipment. By the sound of it, it will not be the last time they will come and visit the park.
Speaking on behalf of the Logan-Hubble Park board, David Duncan said the park has begged and applied for grants for things for the park. “We appreciate it,” he said. “And I can tell you right now,it will be used.”