John Phillip Prather

Memorial service for John Prather will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Claremore First Methodist Church 

John Phillip Prather passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 91.  Born on June 26, 1933, in Claremore, Oklahoma, he was the son of James Luther and Beulah Martha (Phillips) Prather. John grew up in Foyil and graduated from Foyil High School in 1952, where he enjoyed playing basketball. After high school, he worked until being called to serve in the U.S. Army. He served until his discharge in May of 1955.

Upon returning from military service, John married Nancy Sue Hough on September 10, 1955. The newlywed couple made their home in Tulsa. There he worked for W.C. Norris Company making oil field supplies. Eventually, John moved his family to Claremore. He then began a career with American Airlines, from which he retired in 1995. John was passionate about many hobbies, including raising cattle, traveling with his wife in their RV, and going 4-wheeling with family. He also enjoyed NASCAR, boating, and cheering on the Tulsa Oilers hockey team, but his favorite pastime was dancing. He was actively dancing for the past few years. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Sue, and siblings Jerry Prather, Bobby Barnes, Evelyn Payne, Jo Hellen Odell, Betty Jones, and Anna B. Prather. 

Survivors include his children, Jenny Prather and John Prather and wife Sherry; grandchildren, Derek and wife Emily, Kendall, Micah, and Nick; and his great-grandson, Elijah. He is also survived by his brother Jim Prather and wife Donna, Sisters Carol Walker and husband Dan, Mary England, Myrtle Prather, and Donna Sue Weaver and husband Doug. Also surviving him are his brother and sister in law JT Hough and wife Lois, and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a host of friends. John will be remembered for his devotion to family, love of adventure, and zest for life.