Thomas Joel Prather, 51, of Marissa, IL; was born on May 13, 1969 in Justice, IL and passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home.
Mr. Prather served his community honorably as the Chief of Police of the Marissa Police Department. Tom was a faithful member of the Tri-County United Pentecostal Church of Cutler. He was member of the Illinois Police Chief’s Association and the Patriot Guard Riders. Tom enjoyed hunting, traveling and riding motorcycles.
He is survived by his loving wife – Melody, nee Turnbow, Prather whom he married on May 28, 1988 in Eldorado, IL. His children – Dylan (Amber Harpole – fiancé) Prather of Shiloh, IL; Megan Prather of Marissa, IL. One grandson – Isaac Prather. His parents – Thomas and Rhonda Prather of Raleigh, IL. Three brothers – Jim (Stephanie – fiancé) Prather of Harrisburg, IL; John (Michele) Prather of Raleigh, IL; Don (Tara) Prather of Carrier Mills, IL.
Memorials may be made to The Backstoppers or to Tri-County United Pentecostal Church of Cutler.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Friends may attend at the Marissa Jr. Sr. High School in Marissa, IL on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
All first responders planning to attend the service need to arrive before 12 p.m. to stage for the walk through taking place at 12 p.m.
Funeral: Services will be held at the Marissa Jr. Sr. High School in Marissa, IL on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 1:00pm with Pastor Billy Pendergrass officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held in the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, facemasks will be required while in the building and the family asks that all visitors and guests observe social distancing and try to refrain from physical contact as best as you can.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Sending prayers and condolences to the Marrisa Police Department and Chief Thomas Prather’s Family from the Investigation Division of The St. Clair County Sheriffs Department!!!
ReplyMelody and family you are all in our prayers . Tom was always such a good person and a great family man . I enjoyed our talks every year he would come back home to hunt for a few days . He will be missed by all that knew him .
ReplyA really nice man will be sadly missed RIP Tom.
ReplyRest In Peace Tom, prayers and condolences to Family
ReplyI’m very sorry for you loss I no Bryan and him are smile from heave sorry Vicki hall ( Irvin)
ReplyOur prayers are for the family of Tom Prather that God will carry you and give you all strength, comfort, and peace at this time and in the days to come. We really thought a lot of Tom. He was a good man and he will be missed greatly
ReplyGod bless you and your family mel at this most difficult time my deepest sympathy!!!
ReplyI never knew you Chief: I am a retired LEO. By your being an LEO that makes you a part of a larger family, law enforcement. Rest easy, Chief, your watch has ended. My condolences to your immediate family.
ReplyMy sincere condolences and prayers are for you all in the Loss of a great man in this world and great in faith.
God Bless your family from the Perry County Sheriff’s Office
ReplyI had the honor and privilege of working with Tom Prather. One time on a DARE Motorcycle ride he lent my son a raincoat when it started drizzling. Prayers for his blood and blue family and the community of Marissa he served.

Peace and comfort to Chief Tom Prather’s family, friends and Department from the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy.
ReplyR.I.P. CHIEF TOM PRATHER You will be missed by many. Prayers sent to your family and friends. Our deepest sympathy 🙏🤎🚔⚘ John and Sharon Hoffman 🙏
ReplyOn behalf of Director Brent Fischer and the ILETSB, we send our sincerest condolences and prayers for his family, his Agency and his community. Chief Prather, as I knew him, was built of great character, strong faith and professionalism. May God receive him with open arms.
ReplyTo the family, friends and co workers so very sorry for your loss. May God replace your sadness and grief with fond and cherished memories.
RIP Chief.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Brother, we will take it from here.
ReplySo very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.Tom will be missed but everyone in Marissa.
ReplyMay God wrap his arms around and comfort this family. Our deepest sympathy.. We will keep you in our heart & prayers !
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
May God wrap his arms around and comfort this family. Our deepest sympathy.. We will keep you in our heart & prayers !
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.Tom will be missed but everyone in Marissa.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rest easy Brother, we will take it from here.
To the family, friends and co workers so very sorry for your loss. May God replace your sadness and grief with fond and cherished memories.
RIP Chief.
On behalf of Director Brent Fischer and the ILETSB, we send our sincerest condolences and prayers for his family, his Agency and his community. Chief Prather, as I knew him, was built of great character, strong faith and professionalism. May God receive him with open arms.
Peace and comfort to Chief Tom Prather’s family, friends and Department from the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy.
R.I.P. CHIEF TOM PRATHER You will be missed by many. Prayers sent to your family and friends. Our deepest sympathy 🙏🤎🚔⚘ John and Sharon Hoffman 🙏
I had the honor and privilege of working with Tom Prather. One time on a DARE Motorcycle ride he lent my son a raincoat when it started drizzling. Prayers for his blood and blue family and the community of Marissa he served.

My sincere condolences and prayers are for you all in the Loss of a great man in this world and great in faith.
God Bless your family from the Perry County Sheriff’s Office
I never knew you Chief: I am a retired LEO. By your being an LEO that makes you a part of a larger family, law enforcement. Rest easy, Chief, your watch has ended. My condolences to your immediate family.
God bless you and your family mel at this most difficult time my deepest sympathy!!!
Our prayers are for the family of Tom Prather that God will carry you and give you all strength, comfort, and peace at this time and in the days to come. We really thought a lot of Tom. He was a good man and he will be missed greatly
I’m very sorry for you loss I no Bryan and him are smile from heave sorry Vicki hall ( Irvin)
Rest In Peace Tom, prayers and condolences to Family
A really nice man will be sadly missed RIP Tom.
Sending prayers and condolences to the Marrisa Police Department and Chief Thomas Prather’s Family from the Investigation Division of The St. Clair County Sheriffs Department!!!
Melody and family you are all in our prayers . Tom was always such a good person and a great family man . I enjoyed our talks every year he would come back home to hunt for a few days . He will be missed by all that knew him .