Craig A Prather

Craig A. Prather, 48, of Bradenton/Ruskin, FL., formerly of Parkersburg, passed away May 16, 2026 unexpectedly. He was born August 19, 1977 to his parents, Joy Miller Peck (David) and Gary Prather.

Craig was a 1996 graduate of Parkersburg High School where he was a member of the Big Red Band’s drumline his freshman and sophomore years. Afterwards he attended WVU-P and studied art, before seizing the opportunity to move to Florida, the Sunshine State, where he could ride, almost, year-round.

His passion for cycling started when he was 15, after watching riders compete in the RAAM race, a route that brought them through the Mid-Ohio Valley. He raced locally at Challenge Mountwood many times and elsewhere, thanks to his mom and her mini-van, limited only by how far she was willing to drive.

No one could have predicted how many uphill battles he would face during the 26 years he lived and raced nationwide. At age 34 he qualified for the twelve-hour race at Bike Sebring 2011, but his time-trial record will forever stand, as the course has since been moved. The most impressive record, though, was his surviving multiple vascular complications caused by a genetic condition. The short list, eleven heart-attacks, multiple stents, and a double bypass in March 2013, just eight months before qualifying for the RAAM race that November. This year he was back to riding, a mere two months after being revived from cardiac arrest. Even more certain than the sun’s rising each morning is the fact that no matter the set-back, he would be right back on his bike, most-likely sooner than medical advice deemed prudent.

Along with his parents, he is survived by his wife, Monique Daher and his children, Gavin Cochran of Trenton, FL and Mattie Prather of Asheville, NC. He also leaves behind his sister, Beth Prather Patterson (Brett); brother, Jason Prather; grandchildren, Klayton and Rylee; and several nieces, nephews, close friends, and extended family, including countless individuals and “heart brothers” in the cycling community across the country.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arlon and Icie Miller and his paternal grandparents, Warren and Burdia E. Prather.

He was dedicated and determined, strong-willed and stubborn, tenacious and taciturn. He was most passionate about riders’ rights and safety. Regardless of how he was known in life or how abruptly and unfairly he was taken, one undeniable fact is that he faced death more often than most people ever will. And time after time, he simply grinned right back.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2026 at Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, Pike St., South Parkersburg with Pastor Wesley Vernatter officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Family will accept friends and loved ones on Sunday, May 31, from 4-8 p.m., at the funeral home. Casual dress is requested by the family for all services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lambert Tatman Funeral Home, South Parkersburg.