Donald "Don" R. Pruitt

Don R. Pruitt of Stillwater, passed into the heavens peacefully at home on March 3, 2025, at the age of 86. He leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and a passion for achievement. 

Born in Tulsa to Elbert and Juanita Pruitt, he grew up in Tulsa, Stillwater, and Tuskahoma. He graduated from Tuskahoma High School in 1956, where he met and later married his wife and soulmate, Mary Cogburn. They wed in 1961 and were married for 63 years. He attended Eastern Oklahoma State College before completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Oklahoma State University, where in recent years he served as a teacher and mentor in the Endeavor program at the Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. 

After earning his degree in 1962 he was employed at Halliburton, Demco and Texoma Inc. His mind was always at work identifying a problem and finding the best possible solution. It was this passion that drove him to start his own business, dp Manufacturing Inc. in 1970, also known as DP Winch, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty winches for the military, as well as for the transportation, utility, and oil & gas industries. For 30 years he led the company through significant growth and expansion, ultimately selling the company and retiring in 2000. He loved to lead, design, and achieve. And he did so with the highest of integrity. But to his family, friends, and students, he was the ultimate teacher and storyteller. He was also known to occasionally pull off a pretty good prank and have a good laugh about it too. 

Mr. Pruitt is preceded in death by his father, Elbert Wayne Pruitt Sr., his mother Helen Juanita Peck Pruitt Sockey, and his brother Elbert Wayne Pruitt Jr. 

Mr. Pruitt is survived by his wife, Mary Lee, his sister Linda Rains, his brother Gary, his daughters, Donna Zanger of Sarasota FL, Rhonda and Mike Cotroneo of Dallas TX, Leigh Ann McClain of Little Elm TX, and his son Mike and Kari Pruitt of Stillwater OK. Grandchildren, Christiana Zanger, Felicity Zanger, Jay Zanger, Harrison McClain (Lydee), Madison McClain, Jackson McClain, Zachary Pruitt, Lillia Pruitt, Michael Pruitt, and one great-granddaughter arriving in April, Berri McClain. 

A viewing will be held at Victory Life Church in Stillwater on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 10AM until service time.  A Celebration of Don's life will begin at 2PM following the viewing with pastor Will Harper officiating.  Pallbearers will be Harrison McClain, Jackson McClain, Mike Cotroneo, and Garrett Cotroneo.   A private interment will follow on Friday at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the OSU Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749 – Stillwater, OK 74076-1749, or gifts can be made online at https://secure.osugiving.com/s/giving/annual?dsgt=20-03700. Please note your donation is in memory of Don R. Pruitt.