Jack Dean Pritchard

Jack Dean Pritchard, 76, faithful Christian, husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away November 25, 2010. He was born on October 8, 1934 in Ola, Arkansas to William Montgomery Pritchard and Lottie Pugh Pritchard. He was raised in El Paso, Texas from the age of 4 until he was 17 years old, when he then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. Jack proudly and vigilantly served our country during his 23 years of service, which included the Korean War and three tours to Vietnam. He earned several medals and awards while in the Navy including the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal with Silver Star Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with 2 Bonze Stars, Navy Good Conduct Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, and National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star. In 1975, Jack retired from active Duty and returned to El Paso where he went to work for the Ysleta Independent School District. He retired from YISD in 1998 after serving as the Chief of Security. He was member of the VFW, DAV, and TREA. Jack was extremely kind hearted and generous. He gave unselfishly of himself to his family, friends and colleagues. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He undoubtedly touched more lives than we will ever know. The Pritchard family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home for their professional services as well as the love and compassion they shared with Jack and our entire family over the past three years. Jack is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sayoko Urakawa of Sasebo, Japan, five children: Jean Teo (Setoa), Dianne Rawlins (Mark), William Pritchard, Linda Schmidt (David), and Robert Pritchard (Veronica). He was blessed with four grandchildren: Christian and Raymond Rawlins, Randal Pritchard and Alexander Teo. He is also survived by his sister, Theresa Joan Lindsay of Big Spring, TX and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 pm, Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast. Funeral Service will be at 9:00 am, Friday, December 3, 2010 at Sunset Funeral Home-Northeast. Interment will follow to Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors.