Marilyn ‘Meo’ Diane Fox McIntosh
Marilyn “Meo” Diane Fox McIntosh, 80, formerly of Anna Maria Island, died Jan. 27 surrounded by her loving family at her Bradenton home.
She was born April 27, 1942, in Fulton, New York, to Barbara Jean Scudder and Floyd Gerald Fox, the eldest of three children. She was a descendant of immigrants who sailed to North America on the Mayflower in 1620 and American Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale also was among her ancestors.
She graduated from Fulton High School and Oswego State University.
On Dec. 26, 1962, she married Donald Craig McIntosh of Tampa. The couple moved to Anna Maria Island in 1968 with their sons, Scott and Brett.
Before retiring in 1993, she endeared herself to many as a teacher in local schools, including Bradenton, Palma Sola, Ballard and Anna Maria elementary schools. She also co-owned A Classic Shop in Bradenton, a woman’s boutique specializing in business attire.
She was a breast cancer survivor.
She enjoyed traveling to France, Italy, Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska and Bend, Oregon. She was an avid birdwatcher and she loved animals.
Honoring her wishes, there will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to a favorite pet or wildlife charity in her name or to Tidewell Hospice.
Alan Hardy Prather
Alan Hardy Prather, esquire, 74, died Feb. 5.
He was born Jan. 28, 1949, in Gainesville to the late Hardy and Freda Prather.
Raised in Florida and North Carolina, he earned a bachelor’s degree at High Point College. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and admitted to the University of Florida College of Law. He was a true Gator! After graduating from UofF, he served four years as a military JAG officer before returning to Florida and commencing a private law practice.
He has represented government entities in one capacity or another, including Manatee County, the cities of Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Palmetto, as well as the Manatee County School Board and various special districts and corporations.
Mr. Prather served the firm of Porges, Hamlin, Knowles & Hawk, P.A., in an “of counsel” capacity. He was board certified in city, county and local government law and was appointed to the City, County & Local Government Law Certification Committee 1998-2004 and again 2009-15, leaving as chair.
He was a member of the Florida Bar Association, the Manatee County Bar Association and the U. S. Supreme Court. It was at his first job in Manatee County that he met his wife, Beverly. They have been happily married for 37 years. He proudly became father to Beverly’s three children.
He attended Christ Episcopal Church, served on the vestry and participated as a reader/chalice bearer and chancellor.
A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Special thanks from the family go to the ICU and hospice staff of HCA Florida Blake Hospital for their care. Memorial donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church or the Salvation Army. Condolences may be made at brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Mr. Prather is survived by wife Beverly; sister Robyn Spangler and family; daughter Jennifer and husband Mike Taylor; sons Ben and wife Jenny Sabo and Nathan and wife Jen Sabo; grandchildren Christian Taylor, Kayleigh Sabo, Isabel Taylor, Chase Thornton, Orin Taylor, Christian Sabo, Amelia Sabo and Grady Sabo; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
