Sports fans across the Midwest are mourning the death of Marty Prather, known to many as the “Sign Man.”
Prather, who died Sunday from complications of respiratory distress, was 67 years old.
Prather and his partner Art Hurteau opened their first Domino’s Pizza franchise in Springfield in 1981, but he was widely known for the large signs with clever sayings that he brought to Missouri State, St. Louis and Springfield Cardinals games.
Prather was a major supporter of Missouri State athletics over the years and was a long-time season ticket holder with the St. Louis Cardinals.
He became the first fan inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Prather was placed in Mercy Hospital’s intensive care unit earlier this month, prompting fans to make their own signs to show their love and support.
(photo courtesy of KOLR/Nexstar)