James Richard Prailey, Sr. 8-12-1934 ~ 10-31-2014 J.R. Prailey of Walsenburg, CO and formerly of Fort Worth, Texas went home to be with the Lord on October 31, 2014. He was born August 12, 1934 in McKeesport, PA to Fredrick Prailey and Beatrice Rose (Manning) Prailey. He served 4 years in the U.S. Army and 18 years in the U.S. Air Force, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and in various locations around the world. On September 12, 1983 he married Dorothy Darlene Wells in Jacksboro, Texas. J.R. had a wonderful life working after retirement from the military as a contractor; Chief of Police at Kennedale, Texas; Lieutenant of the Lake Worth Police Department; a member of the Tarrant County Drug Task Force; and as Precinct 4 Tarrant County Chief Deputy Constable. J.R. totally involved himself in everything he endeavored. He was dedicated to his Lord Jesus and church. He volunteered with a Bible study at the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home in Walsenburg. While in Texas he was very active in the Lake Worth Lions Club and helped in the construction and operations of the Lake Worth Lions Club Bingo. J.R. enjoyed participating in Civil War Re-enactments, traveling to many National Civil War sites. He was
an avid bass fisherman and fishing guide in Texas. He belonged to both the Couple’s Bass Fishing Tournament Club and Mineral Wells Bass Fishing Club. Mr. Prailey was preceded in death by his father, Fredrick Prailey; mother, Beatrice Prailey; brother, Fredrick “Fred” Ronald Prailey; and sons, Anthony Ronald Prailey and Jaime Robert Butler. He is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy; daughters: Constance Lea Bearden and Stephanie Lynn Beckner; sons: James Richard Prailey, Jr. (Kathy), Michael Vincent Prailey (Tammy), and Timothy Nathaniel Butler (Kelly); grandchildren: Blane and Bayle Butler, Chet Prailey, Phillip Beckner, Levi Prailey, Bret Prailey, Ciara Prailey, Brandon Bearden, Mallorie Beckner and Julia Butler; great-grandchildren: River Butler and Evelyn Prailey; and niece, Karen Abels. A memorial service will be held at Huerfano Community Bible Church, 603 Leon Avenue, Walsenburg at 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2014. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Huerfano Community Bible Church in support of missions or to the Denver Fisher House, 1954 Quentin, Aurora, CO 80045.
