Larry Pratt

Larry Pratt, age 75, passed away in Fort Worth on Sunday, July 16, 2023. Funeral will be held at the Young County Arena on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Eliasville Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Larry was born on July 28, 1947 in Abilene to George and Bennah (Burton) Pratt. His entire life he was dedicated to Agriculture.  He graduated from Abilene Christian University with a bachelors in agriculture. He married Karen Dyer on August 22, 1970 in Sinton, Texas. Together they had two sons, who grew up  on the farm with agriculture as a normal part of life, raising cattle, wheat, oats, and coastal hay. He loved serving his community and helping local farmers and ranchers in any way he could, he was on many boards and committees throughout the years, trying to pave a better future for the coming generations, as his grandchildren were 6^th generation farmers and ranchers.  In 1972 Larry joined the Young County Farm Bureau, where he served for 49 years, serving as vice president from 1990-2005.  In 2005 he was elected to the Texas Farm Bureau State Board of Directors. He also served on the Texas Beef Council from 2006-2012 and served on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board from 2010-2016.  He was chairman of the Global Growth Committee of The U.S. Meat Export Federation. Larry was the recipient of many awards in the farming industry including Texas Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher award in 1976 and “Man of the Year in Agriculture” from the Agri-Life Extension Agents in District III in 2011. He was also voted “Aggie of the Year” by Abilene Christian University Agriculture Department in 1983.

Eliasville was home to Larry and his family, and he served the people of Eliasville by volunteering with the Eliasville Volunteer Fire Department for 50 years. He enjoyed talking about the VFD and promoting them any chance he got. He helped organize and execute many fundraisers to make sure the legacy of Eliasville VFD carried on.

In addition to his farming, Larry was a man of faith, and had served as the preacher at Graford Church of Christ for the past 23 years. Part of this ministry included serving on the board of Foster’s Home for Children in Stephenville, where he served for 45 years. Larry loved God, and loved sharing his faith with those around him. He could capture an audience with his loud voice, and you couldn’t help but listen as he told a joke and laughed with that deep belly laugh.

Larry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen Pratt of Eliasville; sons, Gabe and wife Amie of Eliasville, and Justin and wife Rachell of Longview; grandchildren, Cameron, Kimber, Roan, Raney, and Josie Mae;  sister, Georgia Cunningham and husband Kelly; and niece Leslie Hall and husband Tim.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bennah Pratt.

Memorials may be made in Larry’s name to the Eliasville Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 74 South Bend, TX 76481 OR Foster’s Home for Children 1779 N. Graham St. Stephenville, TX 76401.

Visitation will be held at Morrison Funeral Home Chapel Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.