Stephen W. Pratt was born on March 8, 1951 in Oklahoma City and died unexpectedly in his Yukon home on April 8, 2019 at the age of 68.
He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Regenna (Symes) Pratt; his daughter, Stephanie Walker and her husband Wes and their two children, Ellie McCauley and Wyatt Walker; his son, Jeffrey Pratt and partner Toby VanVranken.
He is preceded by his precious daughter, Leslie Pratt, a beloved son-in-law, Derick McCauley, his parents, Harold and Lahoma Pratt, and his father-in-law, Glen Dale Symes, Sr. He is additionally survived by his brother David Pratt and wife Jan; mother-in-law, Ellarue Symes, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Steve was raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969. He was an Eagle Scout and proudly served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the Destroyer U.S.S. Perry. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Steve attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Wildlife Ecology.
With his degree completed, Steve went to work for the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon for a short time. After that, he went to work for the U.S. Postal Service where he served as a postal carrier for 28 years and retired in 2016.
Steve had a passion for life and his family. He did everything with all his heart and all his energy. First and foremost in his life were his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. His heart was full when he was spending time with family, most recently when taking Stephanie’s and Wes’s children for ice cream.
His heart was broken and permanently scarred when his daughter Leslie lost her hard-fought battle with leukemia.
His interests were widespread, including OSU football at family tailgates; monster truck shows with his son Jeffrey in OKC and Las Vegas; Godzilla movies with anybody who would watch with him; and Bigfoot legends and storytelling in SE Oklahoma with Jeffrey and Toby.
Steve loved spotting wild animals before anyone else saw them; woodworking; gardening; working jigsaw puzzles; watching and feeding the wild turkeys in his yard; listening to Beatles music; and traveling with his family on their annual trip to Destin, FL.
His most recent claim to fame was as an omelet sous chef at the annual Symes’ family Christmas morning gathering.
Steve leaves a hole in the hearts and lives of many. He leaves behind cherished memories that will live forever in our hearts. Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Yukon, with interment following at the Yukon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, take the money and spend a day with your family.
Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
