Mr Frederick C. Pritchard

Fred Pritchard, 86, of St. Albans, WV, passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at Thomas Memorial Hospital. Fred was born May 30, 1922, at Marlinton, WV. He was the only child of the late Frederick C. Pritchard and Bessie Baxter Pritchard. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hazel Murphy Pritchard; a son, Alan Pritchard and spouse, Judy, of Belmont, NC; three daughters, Sue Hatcher and spouse, Charles of Huntington, WV; Jane Pritchard, of Santa Rosa, CA; and Judy Najar and spouse, William, of Princeton, WV. Fred had seven grandchildren: Chad Hatcher, Molly Hatcher, Jessica Pritchard, Cori Flaherty, Tom Najar, Alan Najar and Lena Deel. In addition, he had three great-grandchildren: Lucy Hatcher, Hudson Najar and Tyler Najar. Fred was a 1940 graduate of Green Bank High School, attended Marshall College and graduated summa cum laude in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. He was an engineer for 38 years at Union Carbide, retiring in 1984. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Fred was a devoted Christian and an active church member his entire life. He was an elder at both Rock Lake Presbyterian and Riverlawn Presbyterian Churches. His faith was evident in all aspects of his life. Fred took seriously the importance of good character. His philosophy of life can be found in Proverbs 22:1, �A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.� His family and friends were blessed with Fred�s Christian influence, and they are grateful for the richness he brought to each of their lives. A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2008, at Riverlawn Presbyterian Church, 2008 Pennsylvania Avenue, St. Albans, with Rev. Christopher Kilbert officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. The family will be receiving friends from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Fred�s name to Riverlawn Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (2008 Pennsylvania Ave, St. Albans, WV 25177) or to Kanawha Valley Senior Services (2428 Kanawha Boulevard E., Charleston, WV 25311). Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, St. Albans, is in charge of arrangements.