Weldon M. Praytor saved Steve L. Lynch from suffocation, Lindale, Texas, July 19, 1932. Lynch, 60, farmer, was overcome by sulphur dioxide in a well 25 feet deep. After other men had refused to enter the well and after the light of a lantern that was lowered was extinguished 10 feet below the top, Praytor, 21, farmhand, with a rope tied around him, descended a pipe and was lowered on the rope to Lynch. Praytor tied another rope, which was held by men at the top, around Lynch, broke Lynch’s hold on the pipe, and raised him somewhat. Praytor then began to gasp and was pulled out of the well by the men at the top. He was weak and dizzy. Lynch was pulled out of the well, was attended by a physician, and recovered consciousness two hours later.
32324 – 2712
32324-2712Obituary
Weldon Mitchell Praytor, 68, a retired carpenter and cattle rancher, died on Feb. 19, 1980. He was born on Aug. 16, 1911.
Praytor was a Smith County, Texas, native who lived most of his life in the Hopewell community. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church.
He was buried in Hopewell Cemetery in Swan, Texas.
(Edited from a published obituary provided by the family.)