Carl Eli Prater

Carl Eli Prater, 91, passed from this life on November 21, 2022, at his home in Hominy, Oklahoma.

Carl Eli Prater was born January 27, 1931, in Adair County and moved from Pryor to the Bennett Ranch in 1931 at the age of 6 months. Eli attended Hominy Schools where he graduated in 1949. During his four years of high school, Eli enjoyed shop class, which he enjoyed, and he lettered in. Eli also worked for JC Penney during his high school years. After high school Eli worked at the Pettit theater as a projectionist and concession operator. He was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard and was called to active duty in 1950 and was discharged in 1952. Upon returning to Hominy, he worked at the ice plant in Hominy. Eli began working for Dowell as a truck driver and equipment operator for 12 years, then Hominy Welding and Machine where he worked for his father-in-law, Shep. In the mid 1970's Eli worked as an independent welder and then later accepted a position for Unocal and worked as their welder. Eli retired in 1993.

After retirement, Eli began working to set up his wood working shop. He built numerous things for his family and friends including two grandfather clocks. Eli enjoyed water skiing when he was younger. He went on several mission trips, one being to Phoenix, Arizona to help a Baptist church build a building, along with Monty Patton. He took his own tools on that trip. Eli enjoyed going on trips to Branson. They would stay at their time share and go to museums and took in all the sites in the area.

Eli is survived by his wife, Donna of the home. Along with many children; Theresa (Nappy) Cowan, Noonie (Gary) Yarbrough, Corey (Shannon) Prater, Jill (Larry) Mowrey, Bradley Garrison, Mark (Rocio) Garrison, Joey Smart, Michael Garrison, and Jean Briscoe. Fourteen grandchildren; Jorey (Andrea) Cowan, Cammi (Dennis) Canady, Bettsy (Blaine) Coffee, Logan (Makena) Yarbrough, Dylan Ray, Garrett (Jessica) Prater, Jaylin Ray, Robert Garrison, Richard Scroggins, Amy, Brittinie Perry, Jennifer, Heather (Casey) Toyne, Leslie Briscoe. There are eleven great grandchildren: Jarrett Canady, Ellie Rae Prater, Kennie Jean Prater, Lincoln Coffee, Harley Scroggins, Nathan Scroggins, Grace Scroggins, Karleigh Perry, Kylianna Perry, Charlie Stammer, Eli Briscoe. Also, numerous nieces and nephews. and finally, his therapy dog, Kassey, who was with him for eight and a half years. Eli was preceded in death by his first wife, Nina Kay, his parents, two children Carla Kay Prater and Jeffrey Carl Prater, also eight brothers and three sisters. The last four years of Eli’s life he was cared for by Tara Foster. Many thanks to the Complete Hospice.

A visitation for Eli will be at Powell Funeral Service in Hominy, Oklahoma on Saturday, November 26 from 10:00am to 2:00pm and Sunday, November 27, 2022, from 2:00-5:00pm. Funeral service will be 2:00pm Monday, November 28, 2022, at First Baptist Church in Hominy, with Mark Formby officiating. Burial to follow at A J Powell Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Powell Funeral Services of Hominy, Oklahoma. Family request in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Hominy, Oklahoma