Chesley Pruet
Chesley Pruet
(1915-2001)
Founder
Pruet Drilling Co.
El Dorado, Arkansas
Chesley Pruet founded his successful oil exploration and production company in 1946. He was also president and chief executive officer of Pruet-Ram-Co.; managing partner of Pruet Oil Co. and Pruet Limited; and vice president and director of Pruet Production Co. He served on the National Petroleum Council for 18 years.
A tireless Republican party fundraiser, Pruet led the state finance committee for five presidential campaigns. He generously supported the Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Campfire Girls and Arkansas Youth Ranch. His life-long love was his 12,500 acre ranch near Texarkana.
