John Robert Pridemore, 83, of McAlester, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in McAlester.  The family will welcome friends for viewing and visitation on Friday, February 16, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home.  Graveside funeral services are Saturday, February 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Blanco Cemetery.

John Robert Pridemore was born on July 12, 1940 in Charleston, West Virginia.  After high school, John joined the United States Air Force and served for almost 4 years, serving a year in Korea.  After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor's degree.   He and Mary Lee Ingram were married on March 10, 1962.  John started his career as an auto body repairman and then became a vocational educator in Oklahoma and Texas.  He finally retired in 1990 and he and his wife have made McAlester their home since then.

John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Lee Pridemore; a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Jacque Pridemore; 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Angela Kay and Ken Tynan, and Carolyn Gale and Jeffrey Owen; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Don Pridemore