William Ernest ‘Ernie’ Pratt, Sr., 77 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at the North Platte Care Center.

Ernie was born August 9, 1937, to William Thomas and Ruby Viola Northcutt Pratt in Yuma, CO and grew up in Yuma County. Ernie moved to Wallace, NE in 1955 where he worked as a mechanic and on a harvest crew.

On June 12, 1960, Ernie married Sandra Lillian ‘Sandy’ Jones in North Platte where they made their home. Ernie worked for Meyer-Schneider Motors before going to work for Central Nebraska Packing Plant until 1999. He later worked for Flying J Truck Stop until his health forced him to retire in 2004. Ernie and Sandy were together nearly 55 years before she passed away in September 2014.

Ernie attended the Bethel Evangelical Free Church. He enjoyed camping, hunting, watching car races and working on stock cars.

Survivors include his children, Tracy Morehead, Michael (Merideth) Pratt and Steve (Vikki) Pratt, all of North Platte; eight grandchildren, Joell Navarette Pratt, Dezrae and Brittany Herrick and Zack, Brianna, Brendan, Shane and Jordan Pratt; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Leland) Thomas, of Grant, NE; three brothers, Clifford (Susan) Pratt, of Sterling, CO, Richard (Teresa) Pratt, of North Platte and Tom ‘Clay’ (Linda) Pratt, of Custer, SD; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife, Sandy, Ernie was preceded in death by their son, William Ernest, Jr.; son-in-law, Wayne Morehead; his parents, William and Ruby Pratt; and a nephew, Billy Pratt.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside service and inurnment will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2015, in the Morning View Cemetery in Wallace followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Brett Terry officiating at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial.