Funeral services for Donald Eugene Prater, fondly known as Don, will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Rev. Doug McClure officiating, and burial following in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Don passed away from this life at home while surrounded by his family early Tuesday, January 15, 2013, in Hugo, Oklahoma, at the age of 74. His last labored breath on this Earth was his first breath in Heaven. Don was born in Hugo on February 4, 1938, the son of Thomas Eugene “Gene”¯ and Gladys Marie (Johnson) Prater. He lived and worked in this community all of his life. Don worked as a funeral director and in the funeral home management profession for 55 years. Although the name outside changes through the years, he worked in the same building for the duration of this service. Don began his career in 1958 working with Bill Lampton at age of 19 driving an ambulance. Later, he obtained his funeral director's license and remained in this business serving Choctaw County and the area communities for many more years. Don served as a Reserve Deputy for Choctaw County and as one of Hugo’s Volunteer Fireman and Policeman for over twenty years. Don had an amazing gift to minister to families during their time of need. God used him in this way throughout his career. He genuinely loved people and was always eager to help bear their burdens during times of grief. When not working, Don loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, antique cars, and collecting guns. He especially loved attending his grandsons' baseball and basketball games and was a Soper Red Bear supporter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Gene Prater and his wife, Glenda in 2010.
Don is survived by two daughters, Jeanne Scott and husband Shawn of Soper, OK and Dawna Lindley of McAlester, OK; one step-daughter, Anita Lyles of Paris, TX; one step-son, Leland Cox and wife, Dena of Powderly, TX; his beloved grandchildren, Colton and Chance Scott of Soper, OK; Logan and Traton Lindley of McAlester, OK; Luciana and Jerry Bates of Powderly, TX, Tony Cox of Dallas, TX, Brad Young and Jodi Young; great-granddaughter, Kacie Rae Bates of Powderly, TX; sister, Marti Beall of Hugo, OK; nephew, Bryan Beall and wife, Amanda of Hugo, OK; great nephew, Brandon Beall; great niece, Tayla Marie Beall; aunt, Martha Moody of Lewisville, TX; special friend, the mother of his children, Mary Wilson; numerous cousins, friends, and co-workers.
The family will receive friends Thursday, January 17, 2013, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey Chapel in Hugo, OK.
The family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Media Ministry at First Baptist Church, Drawer B, Hugo, OK 74743.
Don always enjoyed watching the church services on TV when he was no longer able to get out and attend with his family.
