Frank Elvess Prather, age 87, of Perkins, Oklahoma, passed away on February 1, 2026, in Oklahoma City. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Strode Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with Mr. Mike Chace officiating. Burial will follow at Iowa Tribe Cemetery in Perkins, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.
Frank was born on April 8, 1938, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to Frank and Dorothy Prather. He grew up in Pawhuska and graduated from Pawhuska High School before continuing his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Following his degree, he was a proud Oklahoma State Alumni, if that wasn't made apparent enough by the moment you walked into his home.
On October 19, 1963, Frank married the love of his life, Hattie Dole, in Perkins, Oklahoma. Together they built a life rooted in family, hard work, and lasting memories. Over the years, Frank embraced the beauty of his wife's Indian traditions, food, values, and community. He appreciated that they all welcomed him with open arms.
Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the Special Forces, and 82nd airborne division where he became airborne qualified, a reflection of his strength, discipline, and dedication.
Following his military service, Frank worked as a loss prevention engineer.
A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Frank found peace and joy in nature. He enjoyed fishing trips, was an avid hunter, and cherished the quiet moments outdoors. When he wasn't outside, he could often be found enjoying a burger and Coke with his great-grandson Landon, watching westerns, or cheering on the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Kansas City Chiefs. Above all else, Frank lived for the time spent with his family and the memories made together.
Frank is preceded in death by parents, Frank and Dorothy Prather; Brother, John Prather; Sister, Bertie Williams; Children, Sherie and Danny Prather, and Cara Miller.

He is survived by his loving wife, Hattie Prather; Sister, Elsie Lohrich; Children, Jeffery Rice-Paulin, and Alicia Owen; Grandchildren, Daniel and Serena Prather, Jared and Angela Prather, Joey Prather, DanNell and Kyle Wood, Daley and Joshua Fish, Rosie and Chelsea McRay, Hannah Prather, Elisa and Shane Taff, Iziah and Meagan Alberson, and Chris Steinkamp; Great Grandchildren, Sherman and Mackenzie Prather, Louvica Prather, Josslyn Prather, Stevie Prather, Max and Millie Fish, Rileigh and Clayton Cave, Landon, Kashlynn, Lia, Lila and Lowyn Taff; Great-Great Grandchildren, Diana and Eloise Prather.
Frank Elvess Prather will be remembered for his love of family, his devotion to his country, and his appreciation for the simple, meaningful moments in life.