R.L. Pracht Obituary (1958

One of Guymon's most beloved physicians for over 53 years, Dr. Robert L. Pracht, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2010. He was 78 years old. The son of Eula (Harrison) and Louis A. Pracht, he was born and raised in western Kansas. He attended Panhandle State University, Goodwell, OK and completed his pre-medical education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He graduated from the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri and completed his internship at the Lakeside Hospital in Kansas City. Dr. Pracht devoted over 53 years as Family Practice Physician to the residents of Guymon and surrounding area. In 1957, Dr. Pracht began practicing medicine in Guymon with the late Dr. W.D. McMurry. In 1960, the two built the existing McMurry Clinic on Medical Drive in Guymon, OK. For 32 years, Dr. Mac and Dr. Pracht practiced and served the community of Texas County together. His son, Dr. Kelly, joined the medical practice and they served together for 35 years. Dr. Pracht served as President of the Panhandle District Association of Osteopathic Medicine, and was a member at the state and national levels. Certified in Family Practice with the American College of Family Practice, he served the College of Osteopathic Medicine of Oklahoma State University as Dean of Medical Education of the Panhandle District. In addition, he served numerous terms as Chief of Staff of Memorial Hospital of Texas County. In 1993, Dr. Pracht was honored with the Doctor of the Year Award for the State of Oklahoma. On March 22, 1958, Dr. Pracht married Rebecca (Becky) Fowler in Guymon. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Pracht had also been engaged in farming, ranching and hunting avidly. Bob and Becky raised and raced quarter horses for many years. His legacy is carried on by his wife, Becky Pracht; son, Thad Pracht and wife Dean of San Diego, CA: daughters, Heidi Rogers of Coeur d'Alene, ID; and Meganne Townsend and her husband Stanley of Mountain View, AR. He is survived by five grandchildren; Kellen Smith-Blue of Oklahoma City, OK, Nicolas Smith and Whitney Pracht, both of San Diego, CA; Weston Rogers, of Coeur d'Alene, ID; and Catherine Townsend of London, England, Caroline Townsend of Mountain View, AR; and a great grandson, Christian Blue. He is also survived by sister, Jennie and husband, M.R. Allen of The Woodlands, TX; brother, Gilbert Pracht and wife, Bonnie of Akron, Iowa; brother-in-law, Lee Fowler and wife, Betty, their daughter and Dr. Pracht's goddaughter, Sarah Fowler, of Guymon; and other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Leta Nebergall. Memorial services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, May 15th, 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 310 NW 7th Street, Guymon, with Rev. Deborah Hollifield, pastor officiating. Interment will be in Elmhurst Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Presbyterian Church Bell Tower Restoration Project, 310 Northwest 7th Street, Guymon, OK 73942-4239,www.fpcguymon.com, and the Texas County YMCA Scholarship Fund, c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942