Thomas Prather

Thomas William Prather

Oct 25, 1949 — Aug 20, 2026

Thomas William Prather, of Blackwell, Oklahoma, passed away, Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the age of 76.

Thomas William Prather was born on October 25, 1949, at St. Mary's Hospital in McAlester, Oklahoma, to James David Prather and Thelma Joanne Prather.

He graduated from Coalgate with the class of 1967, after attending elementary in Oklahoma City and Wardville. Following his education, he would join the US Army Reserves, serving six years as a legal clerk from July 1968 to February 1974.

Thomas was a co-owner and operator of a tree-trimming service for numerous years. In 1992, he began his employment with Kay Electric Cooperative, a job he found rewarding, and where he would make life-long friends.

In June of 1971, Thomas would marry Gloria Jean Fishel, and they would have two children together: Thomas "Tyler" Prather and Bethany Paige (Prather) Whitt. On March 17, 1993, he would marry Shelia Marie (Ranallo) Wright, his life-long partner, and he would become the stepfather to Russel DeWayne Wright and Frances Elaine (Wright) Rohrs. They would later adopt Allie Nicole (Prather) Michalak-Shaut in 2007.

Thomas enjoyed the outdoors and was a regular hunter and fisherman. He would make an annual fishing trip to Pierre, South Dakota. He also enjoyed his time as a missionary, where he got to visit South Africa, Haiti, and Panama.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Blackwell from 1992—1995, then would become a member of the 1st Church of the Nazarene, until 2000. In 2010, he started attending the Nardin Community Church, and he would continue there. He was an active member of Blackwell's community.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Jim Prather, Bob Prather, and Anne Prather; his grandparents; and one grandson, Aaron Thomas.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Shelia; his children; five grandchildren: Gracie Prather, Lucky Gose, Bryce Barnes, Evin Whitt, and Emerson Whitt; three great-grandchildren: Madaleigh Gose, Brielle Gose, and Ellie Gose; a nephew, Joshua Prather; and god-daughter, Sabrina Lewis, her husband Gordan, and their children Amber, Jamie, Tyson, and Jessie.

A Public Viewing will be held at Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Monday, August 24, 2026, from 10:00AM—7:00 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Nardin Community Church in Nardin, Oklahoma. In recognition of his fight with Pancreatic Cancer, the family will be wearing purple (his favorite color) and welcomes attendees to do the same. A following Graveside Service will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Wardville Cemetery in Wardville, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nardin Community Church c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.