Elmo Joseph Pratt

Elmo Pratt ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Halley Olsen Murphy Funerals & Cremations - Lancaster on Mar. 5, 2026.Elmo Joseph Pratt, age 84, passed away on February 28, 2026, in Lancaster, California. He was born in Los Angeles, California, to Octavia Mary Vavasseur Pratt and Julius Joseph Pratt Sr.Elmo was raised in Los Angeles and attended St. Odilia Catholic School before graduating from Cathedral High School with the Class of 1959. Following high school, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant and working on helicopters. His time in the Marines reflected the discipline, dedication, and sense of duty that guided his life.After completing his military service, Elmo pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, where he earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree on June 6, 1974. He became a licensed pharmacist on July 16, 1974, beginning a professional career marked by hard work and commitment.Faith and service were central to Elmo's life. He was a devoted Catholic and attended St. Odilia Catholic Church in Los Angeles. In later years he worshipped at Sacred Heart Church and St. Junípero Serra Catholic Church in Lancaster, California. He also participated in the Rosary Group at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Los Angeles and had a deep love for prayer.Elmo dedicated much of his life to mentorship and community service. He was actively involved in the Knights of Peter Claver, Queen of Angels, Council 87 and took great pride in mentoring the Junior Knights. He moved along the ranks as a Fourth-Degree member of Gilbert Faustina Assembly 13. He was a National Officer "Director General Junior Knights." A lifelong member of the NAACP, he served as President of the NAACP San Pedro Chapter and remained committed to advocating for justice and opportunity in his community.Education and mentorship were especially important to him. Elmo generously supported and guided many young people, helping them attend private schools and assisting them with college. He also spent time tutoring students and encouraging them to pursue their goals.Proud of his Creole heritage, Elmo enjoyed sharing food, culture, and family traditions. Within his family he was affectionately known as "Papa Elmo" to his grandchildren and sometimes playfully referred to himself as "Moe." He loved gatherings, dancing, holidays, and good food-especially Creole cuisine and Saundra's famous Jell-O, which always brought a smile to his face.He had a love for mathematics and enjoyed writing heartfelt letters to family and friends. He also served as historian for the Vavasseur family reunions, helping preserve the family's stories and legacy.Elmo is survived by his beloved wife, June Mayfield Pratt; his son, Ryan Ignatius Pratt; his son-in-law Andrew de Leon; and his granddaughter Ariel de Leon. He was also a devoted stepfather to Dale Mayfield (wife Lorenn), April Mayfield, and Shauna Onuselogu.He is also survived by his brothers Julius Pratt Jr. and his twin brother Elmer Pratt.He was a proud grandfather known as Papa Elmo to Cameron Turner, Andrew Mayfield, Nevaeh Mayfield, Paiton Coleman Mayfield, and Dominic Mayfield.He was preceded in death by his daughter Ame de Leon, his parents Octavia Mary Vavasseur and Julius Joseph Pratt Sr., and his sister Veronica Mary Pollard.Elmo adored his many nephews, nieces, and cousins, cherishing time spent with his extended family and maintaining strong family bonds throughout his life.Elmo will be remembered for his deep faith, generosity, mentorship, dedication to family, and his commitment to uplifting others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through service, guidance, and love.A funeral service will be held on March 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Junípero Serra Catholic Church in Lancaster, California, followed by burial at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Lancaster.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.