Harvey Pratt

Born in El Reno, Oklahoma, in 1941, Harvey Phillip Pratt, White Thunder (Vopenonoma’e), often spoke of those who are called to “run toward the fire” and help others who are in danger. In a military and law enforcement career that spanned more than half a century, he resolved to run toward the fire. He served in the United States Marine Corps, rescuing pilots who had been shot down. He was an officer with the Midwest City Police Department, a Special Agent and Forensic Artist with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He served as the Assistant Director and Interim Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He was a graduate of the FBI Academy. Working alongside the United States Secret Service, he protected multiple United States Presidents. His name is inscribed in the Oklahoma State Bureau Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. He designed the National Native American Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, he was a Southern Cheyenne Peace Chief who faithfully served his tribe. He especially enjoyed assisting his fellow veterans and tribal members, ensuring that they received their full military benefits. He was given a key to the city in his hometown of El Reno.

Harvey was gifted with a special ability to persevere throughout a career in law enforcement that often involved much human suffering. By day, his forensic drawings helped victims gain a sense of closure and justice. By night, he picked up a different set of pencils and paintbrushes. He found solace in the process of creating other kinds of art in the evenings. His award-winning art was sought-after by collectors around the world. He understood the importance of finding creative outlets that allowed him to process the grief that he experienced during difficult investigations. He was both warrior and artist. He was a rare embodiment of the warrior artist.

Harvey was an optimist. He was seemingly incapable of complaining or grumbling. Students, interns and employees often beat a path to his office, seeking out his peaceful presence and wise guidance. Trusting in God’s grace, he bravely fought numerous cancer diagnoses for more than two decades. He was deeply respected for his hope and resilience in the midst of illness.

During his career of public service, Harvey Pratt ran toward the fire. He was the same man in public and in private. In quiet conversations later in life, he often seemed struck with humble surprise at the extraordinary life he was so graciously granted to live. While he was thankful for his storied career, he was even more thankful for his family. This was evidenced by the loving tone in his voice every time he spoke of them.

Harvey was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Noble Pratt; his mother, Anna Guerrier Pratt Shadlow; his brothers, Charles and Tony Pratt; and his sisters, Dorothy Marie, Micki, and Marlene. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Gina Posey Pratt; his brother, Otto Pratt; his children, Tracy Hardin (David), Jason Pratt (Lauren), Judson Pratt, and Nathan Pratt (Twyla); and his grandchildren, Dr. Jessica Hardin, Johnathon Hardin, Matthew Hardin, Natalie Pratt, and Davis Pratt.