Lester Praytor Obituary

Lester O. Praytor, 87-year-old Vinita resident, passed away early Saturday, July 12, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 23, 1938, in Vinita to Ralph L. and Mable E (Carpenter) Praytor. Lester spent his life early in the Timberhill area, graduating from Bluejacket Schools. He operated the old Gas Station on Canadian and Scraper streets in Vinita, before going to work for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, where he retired after many years of service with them. Lester was a very loyal and active member of the Timberhill Baptist Church at Four Corners. He loved going to church, taking road trips, going out to eat, and spending time with his family and friends. Lester was very talented at fixing things, he was an expert at working on sewing machines, and other appliances, he could fix whatever you could put in front of him.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wives, Yvonne, Mary Belle and Bonnie Sue, sons, Carven Dale Praytor, Dennis Epperson and Johnny Epperson, daughter, Teressa Renee Praytor, brother in law, Carl Branch, grandchildren, James Dale Praytor and Tonya Praytor.
The family includes his children, James Russell Praytor of Vinita, Robin Kepler of Vinita, Debra Jo Steffen of Dewey, Amy Jean Fletcher (Alfred) of Vinita, stepdaughters, Glenda Gregory of Cleora, Lisa White of Miami, LaDonna Bingham of Vinita, Kelly Gump of Plattsburg, Mo; step sons, Paul Beatty of Lee's Summit, MO, and Michael Bethea; his sister, Wanda Branch of Vinita; special friend, Doris Anderson of Vinita; daughter in law Laqueta Praytor of Eucha; thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Burckhalter-Highsmith Chapel.
The celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Timberhill Baptist Church at Four Corners at 10:00 a.m., Pastor Justin Turner will officiate. Ryan Kepler, Deborah Kelley, Clint Kelley, Joe Praytor, Nick Carithers, Dennis Dalton, and Jesse Moss will serve as casket bearers. Interment will follow at the Zena Cemetery at Zena, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."
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