North Indian Cemetery

Pawnee, Pawnee County, Oklahoma

© Poteet Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Thank You For Your Service!

Willard Louis Pratt, Sr

May 23, 1938 ~ March 12, 2025

Willard Louis Pratt, Sr. made his journey home, Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at his family home in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Willard Louis Pratt, Sr was born May 23, 1938 to Nora Pratt and Harry Pratt. He was a full blood Pawnee, member of the Skidi Band and Pumpkin Vine Clan.

Willard was born and raised in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Willard grew up at the family home north of Pawnee, while growing up the family had a roundhouse where they had Ghost Dances, War Dances, Hand games. Willard growing up as a child, he would go with his grandma and grandpa to the store so he could be the translator between the store clerk and his grandparent. Willard attended and graduated from Pawnee High School, after graduation he attend and graduated from Okmulgee Technical school. Later in life he attended Drumright Truck Driving School receiving his CDL.

Willard met and married the love of his life Ophelia Manona (Clark) Pratt, out of their union 10 children were born: James Charles, LaDonna Lizzie, Robert Richard, Willard Louis, Jr., George Henry, Thomas Douglas, Emmett Joey, Esther Nora, Louis Francis, Lisa Galene. Willard served in the National Guard from 1955 - 1958, 82nd Airborne, 3rd Armor Division as a mechanic working on amphibious tanks and later transferred to United States Army RA INF., from November 1958 - 1964, he was honorable discharge with a medal of Good Conduct.

Willard worked as a mechanic in the local tire shop in Pawnee, worked for Conoco in Ponca City, Pipeline work traveling throughout the United States, Quapaw. Willard had a strong love for his faith in god, he received his certificate for Ministering and traveled several towns preaching for other churches throughout his life. Willard loved playing the guitar, watching his westerns movies, WWE Wrestling and football and if he wasn't watching movies he was doing his beadwork, he loved to sit for hours beading, he had steady hands for all his designs he created in his work. He loved to sit out on the porch enjoying the weather and anyone who came to visit him at his home you could always find coffee, tea and something to eat. He enjoyed his children, grandkids, great grandkids, family and friend to visit him anytime, he enjoyed his outings with his nephew Ashley Pratt or grandson Jake Leading Fox. Willard enjoyed his life to the fullest and loved his family.

Willard is preceded in death by his Mother Nora Pratt, Father Harry Pratt, Wife-Ophelia Manona (Clark) Pratt, 1 son James Charles Pratt, 3 sisters, Roberta Gardipe, Thomasine Neff, Cynthia Pratt and 1 Brother Douglas Tilden.

Willard is survived by his 9 remaining children, Ladonna Lizzie, Robert Richard, Willard Louis-Jr, George Henry, Thomas Douglas, Emmett Joey, Esther Nora, Louis Francis and Lisa Galene along with numerous grand children, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and numerous other family members.

Willard will be missed and loved by all who knew him, whose lives he touched specially his family. Bearers: Robert Pratt, Willard Pratt-Jr, George Pratt, Thomas Pratt, Emmett Pratt, Louis Pratt, Ashley Pratt Honorary Bearers: Jason Neff, Jake Leading Fox, Joe Pratt, Willard Pratt-3rd, Carlos Arkeketa, Curtis Arkeketa, Timmy Pratt, Jeremiah PrattWillard worked as a mechanic in the local tire shop in Pawnee, worked for Conoco in Ponca City, Pipeline work traveling throughout the United States, Quapaw.