WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
William “Bill” Prater, age 62, of Sturgis, passed away Friday evening, February 20, 2026, at Beacon Three Rivers Health in Three Rivers.
He was born February 16, 1964 in Floyd County, Kentucky, the son of the late Ruby Prater and Otis Sparkman. Bill resided in Sturgis since 1998, coming from Brunswick, Georgia.
Bill was a graduate of Pathfinder Center in Centreville and was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Coldwater. He had been employed for several years at McDonald’s in Sturgis and had also worked at ADAPT, Inc., St. Joseph Community Co-Op, and Arch Workshop.
Bill enjoyed following NASCAR and professional wrestling, and especially loved anything to do with Elvis Presley.
He is survived by his father, Carl Douglas Schuster of Sturgis; brothers, Scott (Tracy) Schuster and Christopher (Lenore) Schuster, both of Sturgis; sister-in-law, Twyla Prater of Sturgis; and nieces and nephews, Morgan, Madison, Mason, Hermynee, Brayden, Zach, Lindsey, Landon, Julissa, and Dustin.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Schuster, and his brother, Rondal Prater.
In honoring Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of William Prater will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. Pastor Kim Cole of the Church of the Holy Spirit will officiate. A time of continued fellowship will follow the memorial service at the funeral home.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to ADAPT, Inc., 907 N. Clay Street, Sturgis, MI 49091; St. Joseph Community Co-Op, 307 W. Chicago Road, Suite 200, Sturgis, MI 49091; or Pathfinder Center, 62445 Shimmel Road, Centreville, MI 49032.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
