Gil Prather passed away peacefully Feb. 3, 2022, surrounded by his four children and close friends Rooster and Butch. He was born July 12, 1940.

Gil succumbed to the effects of an adventurous lifestyle and hard living that finally overtook a body that had been used to its fullest.

Gil was a fourth generation Texan, born in Abilene, Texas, to Berylgene Dawson Prather and Lawrence Anthony “Bud” Prather. His ancestors followed the open range. As with any young man destined to be a cowboy, rodeo became a large part of his life.

The Rio Grande soon came calling as rodeo and family ranching interests led him to Alpine, Texas. He attended Sul Ross State College until the lure of music enticed him to the world of cowboy/Western songwriting and singing.

Beautiful Darling was written for his wife Camilla Elizabeth Prather, probably to get him out of trouble. His marriage lasted almost 30 years, and blessed him with four children.

He is survived by Tolbert Y. Prather, wife Audrey; Gilbert G. Prather, wife Melinda; T. Cody Prather, wife Sara; Camilla M. Pergrem, husband Jeff; a wealth of grand children and great grand children; his brother Wilbur; nieces and nephews; adopted musicians; and inherited step grand children.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 2, 2022, in Terlingua, Texas. Come celebrate at the High Sierra Bar and Grill for a memorial service at 1 p.m., and stay as long as you’d like. Music and tributes will likely last long into the night. Sunday morning will be a gospel music session at a time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged in Gil’s honor to further the music he loved so much, Cowtown Society of Western Swing, 3709 East Highway 67, Cleburne, TX 76031.