William "Grant" Praytor of Durant, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, October
22, 2020, after having recently celebrated his eighty-fifth birthday. Grant died
surrounded by his loving wife of sixty years, Pat, and their three children, Darla,
Dan, and Lisa. Grant's family affectionately says that as Grant met his Heavenly
Father, he asked him, "Where are the animals? I have to feed my animals!" Love
and laughter were big parts of Grant's life, and, in reminiscing about his life, his
family holds onto those memories.
Grant Praytor was born in Matoy, Oklahoma, on July 28, 1935, to James Richard
Praytor and Polly Edna (Moffat) Praytor. He attended school in Matoy, graduated
from Bokchito High School, and OSU in Stillwater, Oklahoma with a B.S. in
Poultry Science. As a boy growing up, Grant developed a love of animals and their
care, and that continued into adulthood. Grant was happiest when he was
surrounded by his family and his animals, especially his chickens and ducks! Grant
loved to share his knowledge, and he enjoyed teaching others anything and
everything about animals and gardening.
Grant married Patricia, "Pat", (Crenshaw) on April 2, 1960. Their small family of
two quickly became one of five as they happily welcomed the arrival of their son,
Dan, and their daughters, Darla and Lisa. Grant started his career with OSU
Extension Service as a 4-H agent in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. In 1961, he became
the 4-H agent in Idabel, Oklahoma, and he remained in that position until
1972. Grant then became the OSU Extension Director in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In
1976, he and his family moved to Atoka, Oklahoma, and Grant was the OSU
Extension Director until he retired in 1990 from that position after thirty years of
dedicated service.
As a man of many talents, Grant was interested in farm animals, especially goats,
chickens, and ducks. He also enjoyed cooking unusual foods that both pleased and
surprised his friends and family! After retirement, Grant continued to judge at
local fairs, and he was an FFA honorary advisor. He was a long-time OSU fan,
and he loved to travel. Above all, Grant never tired of spending time with his
family and many friends. The family asks that when you remember Grant, you do
so with a smile on your face and know that he is a shepherd in Heaven, and he is
surrounded by his beloved animals.

Survivors include his loving wife, Pat Praytor; three children: Darla (Praytor)
Coles and husband Cory of Atoka, Dan Praytor and wife June of Atoka, Lisa
(Praytor) Jackson and Greg of Kingston; grandchildren: Brenton and Stevie Sides
of Euless, Texas, Danni and Miles Reed of Atoka, Stefan Sides of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, Mikayla and Zack Wood of Mead, Oklahoma, Kylee and Justin Bailey
of Kingston; great-grandchildren: Lynnix, Marlee, Mazie, Asher, Joslynn, and
Hunter, along with extended family members and many dear friends.
Grant was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Polly Praytor, siblings
Richard Edwin Praytor and Alma Marie Sinor, and nephew Lewis Ray Sinor.
A celebration of Grant's life will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at
Harmony Baptist Church with Pastor Jay Willoughby officiating. He will be laid to
rest during a private family graveside at Bokchito Cemetery prior to the service.
Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Johnson, Darrell Coates, Nelson Day, Jerry
Estep, Greg Garrison, Richard Sinor, Kenny Praytor, Curtis Belcher, and Michael
Mosqueda.
A special thank you to the staff of Featherstone Assisted Living and Centric
Hospice for caring for Grant.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to make donations to the Parkinson's Research
Foundation or Featherstone Assisted Living of Durant.
Services are under the direction of Brown's Funeral Service of Atoka.