LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Darryl Patrick Prather, 64, of Loch Lomond, Calif., passed away suddenly due to a car accident in Lakeport, Calif., on March 7, 2017.

Darryl was born on July 13, 1952, and raised in Lake County.

He was known as a hardworking man who would help anyone in need whether that was with a load of wood from his property or by clearing trees for them.

He spent 35 years in service to the county working as an equipment operator and driver, most recently as the supervisor at the transfer station in Lakeport before retiring in 2009.

Even in retirement, he continued to work for Lake County and driving for Epidendio Construction.

His many contributions to the community are often mentioned including his help with the Valley fire, when he cut fire lines on Prather Mountain with his D4 to prevent the fire from spreading to the Loch Lomond community.

Darryl is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Prather Wolf, and survived by his father and step-mother, Bob and Carol Prather, and step-father, Dick Wolf.

He is also survived by his wife, Lela Prather, and children, Patrick Prather and Brandy Prather-Payne, and step-children, Jacob and Zeke Wooldridge.

His grandchildren cherished their time with him and he will be missed dearly by them: Tawnia Prather, Brady Payne, Bodie Payne, Bailee Payne and Victor Wooldridge.

He was loved and will be missed by his six brothers: Steve, Mike, Gary, Tim, Dan and Don Prather.

A memorial and celebration of life will be held at The Little Red Schoolhouse, 15780 Bottle Rock Road in Cobb, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26.

Due to limited parking, carpooling is encouraged and overflow parking will at Pine Grove Resort, 15960 Bottle Rock Road.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Konocti Rod and Gun Club, 371 Lakeport Blvd. No. 345, Lakeport, CA 95453.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357, or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .