Nathaniel Quentin Rader, 43 of Peru, Indiana took his last earthly breath on March 9, 2025.
Nathaniel was born on March 28, 1981, and is the son of Theresa Dabney and Leroy Hairston. He was raised by his parents Theresa and Dallas Pugh who both later remarried.
He leaves behind his children, Izaiah Dewitt, Amaya Rader, Nate Rader, Tianna Rader, Neiqo Jones, Treshawn Rader, Romeo Rader, and Cameron Rader. His kids were his pride and joy of this lifetime, and he could not live in a world where he wasn’t able to be a dad to his kids.
Survivors include his parents Theresa (Ed) Dabney, Leroy (Beverly) Hairston, Dallas (Marie) Pugh, and maternal grandmother Beverly Bowman.
His siblings with whom he shared his childhood memories include Marie (Dan) David, Echo (Derrick) Cottrell, Michael Pugh, Shane (Becky) Westerman, and Austin (Monica) Westerman.
He had a large group of extended siblings through the blended families. Children of Leroy and Beverly Hairston-Guy, Brian (Krystal), Shawn (Mack), Michael (Chrissy), Marcel (Meli), Mark, Sarah, Jordan (Anita), Kori, and Kim (spouse of the late Leroy “Ben”). Children of Ed and Theresa Dabney-Stanley, Patricia, Edward, and Tonia, Adopted siblings (children of Ed and Theresa Dabney) Tony, Tammy, Leila, and Lyla.
He was surrounded by a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly but he was especially close with the ones that his children were raised with including, Lilly, Kolby, Kaydence, Dakota, Haylee, Gabe, Charlotte, and Xavier.
He was preceded in death by his hero and grandfather Robert Bowman, grandparents Ward and Deloras Pugh, maternal grandpa Ronald Rader, and sibling Leroy “Ben” Hairston.
Nathaniel attended Maconaquah Schools and was an excellent athlete in his youth. One of his more proud moments was winning the Nelson Phillipy award at Bunker Hill Little League and participating in North South All Stars. He passed down that athleticism to his children who are all tremendous athletes. Nate enjoyed being a coach and assisted many in becoming more confident and capable athletes. Nate found his calling for work with Indiana Mentor. His clients were his heart. He was a die hard sports fan and more than anything just enjoyed watching sports, but he frequently repped Indiana teams. He was passionate about things he believed in. He would stand on a hill alone if it meant his voice was being heard. His children say one of the things they admired most about him is he didn’t discriminate towards anyone for anything. If you hadn’t wronged him personally, you were good in his book until you did.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 12:00pm-3:00pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will follow at 3:00pm with Edward Dabney officiating.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
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