Gordon Pritchard

Gordon L “Pritch” Pritchard was born on May 27, 1932 in Ft. Wayne, IN and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 in Universal City, TX.

Pritch, as he was known to most, spent his childhood in Van Wert, OH with his parents; Edward and Louise Pritchard, and his only brother, Bob.  After high school graduation, he enlisted and retired in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for over 20 years.  He was a Korean and Vietnam Veteran.

After his military retirement in 1974 he began his 20 plus year career with Civil Service (DOD & NAF) as the manager of base bowling centers.  He managed the bowling centers at England AFB in Alexandria, LA; McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA; Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX; and Randolph AFB in Universal City, TX.   His managerial skills were impeccable and on three different occasions he was awarded The United States Air Force Meritorious MWR Award of Superior Achievement for "The Air Force Outstanding Bowling Center Manager."

Pritch met Shirley Estes in Tacoma, WA.  He married her on April 30, 1953 and they loved each other for 52 years. They were very active in their bowling communities and attended many bowling  tournaments all over the United States, while making lifelong friends along the way. He loved spending time with his family.  In his retirement years he enjoyed woodworking and manicuring his lawn.  He especially enjoyed coffee and donut mornings with his friends.

After losing Shirley, Pritch found Nancy Dowling to love and share his golden years.   They have been married for 14 years.  Her children and grandchildren further enhanced his life.

Pritch was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley D. Pritchard; his father, Edward H. Pritchard; his mother, Louise K. Pritchard; his brother, Robert H. Pritchard, his sister in law; Ida M. Pritchard and a niece; Sue Pritchard Shell.

Those left to cherish his memory are his present wife, Nancy Dowling Pritchard; his two sons, Gary (Marietta) Pritchard of Huntsville, AL and Greg (Deidre) Pritchard of Oakdale, LA.; his daughter LouAnn (Ed) Rouse of Austin, TX. and his seven grandchildren, Katy (Joshua) Tweedel of Youngsville, LA; Nikki Pritchard of Twentynine Palms, CA; Mark (Emily) Pritchard of Alexandria, LA; Alan Pritchard of Tokyo, Japan; Kyle Rouse of Belton, TX.; Tara Pritchard of Oakdale, LA.; and Stephen Rouse of Seguin, TX.; and great-grandchildren:  Michael Tweedel, Marilee Tweedel, Vince Stutes, Grayson Pritchard and Vileigh Pritchard

He will also be lovingly remembered by his bonus children; James (Kim) Dowling of Fairview Heights, IL; Iris Dowling of Colorado Springs, CO; and Michelle (Philip) Smisek of Franklin, TN; and grandchildren: Kristin (Kris Williams) Dowling of Belleville, IL; Heather Seehusen of San Antonio, TX; Samantha Carter of New Baden, IL ; David Carter of Denver, CO; Alex Smisek of San Antonio, TX; Taylor Dowling of Belleville, IL; William Smisek of San Antonio, TX; and great-grandchildren : Logan Williams, Ava Williams and Summer Arradondo.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.  May he rest in eternal peace.

A Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00PM on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Schertz Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, January 22, 2021 at the Schertz Funeral Home Chapel.  Graveside Services with Military Honors will follow at 1:30PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the National Breast Cancer Foundation , the Wounded Warrior Project , or the American Heart Association .

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