Funeral service for Jerry Prather will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 17, at First Baptist Church of Claremore. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Mon. 1-8 p.m., and family will greet friends 5-8 p.m.
Jerry passed away Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the age of 66.
The son of James and Beulah Phillips Prather was born July 9, 1947 in Claremore. He was raised in rural Rogers County, near Foyil. There he attended Foyil Schools where he participated in baseball and basketball. He was a member of the graduating class of 1965. It was also at school where he first became acquainted with Myrtle Clemmens. They married July 9, 1967 in Foyil. Over the next few years Jerry worked at a couple of different companies, before deciding to enter law enforcement. In 1971 Jerry became a certified police officer and began working for the City of Claremore. In just a few years he made the rank of lieutenant. He served the city for the next 25 years retiring as a captain. After his retirement he decided to run for Rogers County Sheriff. He was elected Sheriff in 1996. He held this position for the next 12 years before retiring. He served as a board member for the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association 10 of those 12 years. During his tenure he was able to have a new jail constructed as well as increase the size of the sheriff's department. Upon his final retirement, Jerry spent most of his time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed raising cattle, riding four wheelers, and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents James and Beulah Prather; sisters, Bobbi Barnes, Betty Jones, Evelyn Payne and infant sister Anna B. Prather.
Survivors include his wife Myrtle of the home; children, Jerry D. Prather and wife Teresa of Foyil, Mark Prather of Foyil, and Cindy Ramsey and husband Sam of Claremore, grandchildren, Ashley Tolson and husband James, Blake Prather, Emily, Trenton and Austin Prather, and Chloe and Ella Ramsey; great-grandchild, Riley Tolson, and siblings, Johnny Prather, Jimmy Prather and wife Donna, Jo Hellen O'dell, Donna Weaver and husband Doug, Carol Walker and husband Dan and Mary Lynn England.
Memorials may be made to the Foyil Alumni Association at P.O Box 23 Foyil, Oklahoma 74031.