Obituary of Ricky D. Prater

Ricky D. Prater, age 71, passed away at his home on Saturday, August 3, 2019, surrounded by his family. Cremation services under the direction of Griffin ~ Hillcrest of Ardmore, Okla.

Ricky was born on February 18, 1948, to Calvin “Sandy” Prater and Jewel (Burchfield) Prater at Fort Worth, Texas. The family moved to California for a short while and then to the Ardmore area where he attended Dickson and Ardmore Schools. Ricky married Miss Shirley Hunt on October 29, 1966, at Ardmore. The couple moved to Oklahoma City and he worked for Aerosmith Plane Manufacturing. They moved to Grand Prairie, Texas, in 1968, where he worked for LTV Airplane Manufacturing.  After the plant closed, he was laid off, and they returned to Oklahoma City. Ricky was hired at the Uniroyal Tire Plant on April 6, 1971, and the family returned to Ardmore. He took his first retirement in 1997. He was called back and worked until retiring for the second time. Ricky went back to work for a short time before health issues forced him into his third retirement in April of 2018. 

He played in country and western bands, playing guitar, and singing for most of his life. Ricky enjoyed restoring cars with his son. They would restore them for their own pleasure and for others. He played golf anytime he had a chance. Ricky will be remembered for his open and friendly personality and was always willing to helping his neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ricky is survived by wife, Shirley Prater, of the home, son, Steven Prater-Demory (Shannon) of Ardmore, daughter, Kelly Powell (Tim) of Marietta, Okla., and daughter, Shelly Parter-Vasquez (Coy). Four grandchildren: Vincent Powell, Josh Demory, Sebastian Powell, and Jordan Demory. One great-grandson, Remington.  Sister, Sharon Messenger (Steve) of Ardmore, sister, Brenda Ferrando (Don) of Bethany, Okla., brother Randy Prater (Marilyn) of League City, Texas, and a host of family and friends. 

The family of Ricky wishes for each person to hold the good memories they have in their hearts. The family will have a private celebration of Ricky’s life.

Condolences may be left at www.griffinhillcrest.com.