Orvel Prater, 89, of Hugo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on July 13, 2026.

Orvel was born on September 25, 1936, in Bentley, Oklahoma, to Jim Lee Prater and Estelle (Walker) Prater. As the oldest son, he attended Bentley School before leaving early to help support his parents and younger siblings. From a young age, he learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, and putting family first. Qualities that would define the rest of his life.

On September 24, 1955, Orvel married the love of his life, Beatrice "Bea" (Cogburn) Prater, in Hugo, Oklahoma. Together they built a loving home and raised five children in Sobol, Oklahoma. He was welcomed into the Cogburn family as one of their own, and they remained a cherished part of his life. After Bea's passing, Orvel was blessed to find love again and married Lynn Prater in Hugo, Oklahoma.

Orvel dedicated his life to hard work. Throughout his career, he worked as a heavy equipment operator, skillfully running graders, backhoes, dump trucks, and just about every piece of heavy machinery there was. His work carried him across Oklahoma, where he came to know nearly every highway and back road. He helped build and maintain roads, prepare house pads, and lay the groundwork for countless homes and communities throughout the state. He took great pride in every job he did and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.

Even after most people would have retired, Orvel continued driving a dump truck well into his 80s. When he realized he could no longer pass the Department of Transportation physical, he made the difficult decision to retire. While he retired from work, he never retired from the road. If there was somewhere to go, Orvel was always ready to climb in the truck and head that way.

A man of unwavering faith, Orvel faithfully served as a deacon at the Assembly of God Church, where he worshipped for more than 20 years. He loved the Word of God and lived his life according to its teachings. His faith was evident not only in what he believed but in the way he treated others-with humility, kindness, and a servant's heart. He faithfully instilled his love for God in his children, grandchildren, and family, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith.

Outside of work, Orvel was happiest when he was on the move. He loved starting his mornings with a hot cup of black coffee, piddling around the yard, and tinkering with anything that needed fixing —or even things that didn't. He simply wasn't one to sit still. Whether he was lending a helping hand, checking on family, or taking a drive down a familiar Oklahoma road, he always found something to keep himself busy.

Orvel had a playful spirit and loved to pester those he cared about. He was always ready with a joke, a smile, or a story that could make anyone laugh. He never met a stranger and had a way of making people feel like old friends. His quick wit and gentle sense of humor brought joy to everyone who knew him.

Music was another joy in Orvel's life. He loved listening to the old gospel hymns that strengthened his faith, and every now and then you could hear a Hank Williams Sr. song playing as he went about his day.

Above all else, Orvel loved his family. His greatest accomplishment wasn't the roads he helped build or the miles he traveled —it was the family he loved so deeply and the example he set through his faith, humility, hard work, and unconditional love.

Orvel was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Jim Lee and Estella (Walker) Prater; his beloved wife, Beatrice "Bea" Prater; son, Orvel Keith Prater; brothers; Dugan Prater, Merril Prater, Derril Prater and Arnold Prater; grandchildren, Aaron Cooper and Tony Cooper and great grandchild, Asher Lee Rayburn. Though their absence was deeply felt during his lifetime, we find comfort in knowing they have been joyfully reunited.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Prater, of the home; his children, Anita and Tracy Cooper of Fort Towson, Oklahoma; Edith Anderson and Mickey Smith of Hugo, Oklahoma; Regina and Angel Fernandez of Deltona, Florida; and Lee Paul and Judy Prater of Fort Towson, Oklahoma; his stepson. Ken Puyear: and stepdaughter, Terrie and her husband, Bryan McClung; sisters, Lou Halkum of Cartwright, Oklahoma and Genell Pierce of Harrah, Oklahoma; and brother, Chester Prater of Yerby, Oklahoma.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Vanessa and Kelly Sadler of Hugo, Oklahoma; Matt Rayburn of Hugo, Oklahoma; Kendall Cooper of Fort Towson, Oklahoma; Curt and Jenna Potts of Choctaw, Oklahoma; Eric Cooper and Ashley Smith Cooper of Cloudy, Oklahoma; Amber and Damon Williams of Soper, Oklahoma; Colby and Kristen Prater of Grant, Oklahoma: Cierre and Kody McCraw of Cooper, Texas; Chelsi Mason of Soper, Oklahoma; and Maci and Chris Shepherd of Soper, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Orvel's legacy is one of faith, service, hard work, laughter, and love. Though his hands helped build roads, homes, and communities across Oklahoma, the greatest foundation he ever built was his family. He showed those around him what it meant to love God, work hard, keep your word, and care for others. His example will continue to guide those who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on in every road traveled, every gospel hymn sung, every cup of black coffee shared, and every act of kindness done in his honor. Until we meet again, he will be deeply loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.