Thomas Edward Pritchard, Sr.

  Thomas Edward Pritchard, Sr. was born in Parker County, Texas; the area known as the “North part of the county.” He was born to Thomas Alton (T.A.) Pritchard and Ophelia (Harrison) Pritchard on November 7, 1932.

 

  Thomas (Tom) is survived by his wife, Jane of 70 ½ years; children, Thomas E. Pritchard Jr., and wife, Janie of Brock; Annilyn (Pritchard) Donnell and husband, Jody of Temple; and Jack Pritchard and wife, Janet of Brock; seven grandchildren, Karen Jones and husband, Jeremy of Dodd City; Suzanna Talasek and husband, Michael of Fruitvale; Matthew Donnell and wife, Erin of Keller; Drew Donnell and wife, Paige of Houston, Thomas E. Pritchard, III (Trey) and wife, Leanna of Keller, Harrison Pritchard of Chicago and Blaine Pritchard of Brock. Tom and Jane are also blessed with 17 great grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.

 

  Tom was a true Parker County son and spent many years in Brock where he and Jane graduated High School in 1951. After graduation, Tom attended Weatherford College, on a Basketball Scholarship that enabled him to attend classes while working full-time at JCPenney. In 1953, Tom and Jane graduated from Weatherford College and married on June 2, 1953 in Brock. In the Fall of 1953, while attending Texas Wesleyan College, Tom and Jane both obtained an Emergency Teaching Certificate and began their Teaching careers in Peaster, also while remaining full-time students. 1955 marked the move to Santo school and the arrival of Tommy. 1956 took the Pritchards to Old Glory, Texas where they began a joy filled season of their life and the building of many lifelong friends. Tom’s Coaching and Teaching career grew later leading to an opportunity to fill the role of School Principal. In 1957, Annilyn was born and 9 years later came Jack. Their time at Old Glory birthed many relationships as well as a beautiful time of Fellowship at Sweet Home Baptist Church. During this time Tom earned his Masters in Education from Abilene Christian College and an Administration Certification from West Texas State University.

 

  In 1967, Tom moved his family to Paint Creek, Texas to become a High School Principal and Head Coach. Again, many life-long friends were made and they worshiped at Paint Creek Baptist Church. In 1977, Tom and Jane were led to move closer to their roots and Tom accepted a Principal role at Millsap ISD and was quickly promoted to Superintendent of schools at Millsap. While living in Millsap, the family worshiped at Millsap Baptist Church. In 1987, upon the completion of their forever home on their farm in Brock, Tom retired from School Administration and began farming full time. They were coming full circle but his story was not over. While continuing to farm full time, an opportunity arose for a local public school teacher evaluator and Tom jumped on the opportunity to expand his knowledge and use his expertise as a way of helping fellow Teachers. In 1992, Tom served his community as an Interim Parker County Commissioner for 6 months. 

 

  Tom was passionate about the Texas Retired Teachers Association and served his way through various positions to become State President 2002 through 2004. Tom organized the TRTF - Retired Teachers Foundation, continuing to give back to the profession that he was passionate about. Tom has been awarded numerous awards from numerous organizations through-out his life because of his dedication to serve others.

 

  Just to name a few of Tom’s life achievements and his ongoing service to his community: 
 

  He was an Ordained Deacon at Brock Baptist Church, where he has been a member on and off since he was a child.    He was an active member and former President of the Texas Retired Teachers and, along with wife Jane, was honored with the prestigious E.L Galyean award.  He was co-founder of Texas Retired Teachers Foundation, a program aiding TRTA retirees with financial needs.  He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Order serving in multiple offices including 2 terms as District Deputy.  He achieved 32nd Degree Mason Status.  He was a member of Shriners Hospital Fraternal Organization.  He served as Interim Parker County Precinct 3 Commissioner.  He served on the Parker County Transportation Board. He served on the Weatherford College Foundation Board and also served as President of Weatherford College Alumni Association.  Tom enjoyed a love of serving others through meals.  He was never happier than when he was cooking the “Men’s Breakfast,” serving at a Lodge event or entertaining family and friends in his home.

 

  Jane says “if a Board needed volunteers to serve, Tom was on it!” Tom leaves a lifelong legacy of servanthood, which just shows the true nature of how he had such a servant’s heart!

 

  Tom’s life was not just limited to the classroom, coaching and serving within numerous organizations, he loved his farm and gardening. He was an outdoor enthusiast and loved fishing and hunting. More than anything though, Faith, Family and Fellowship were the most important things in his life. Tom and Jane loved to camp and regularly enjoyed exploring parks and lakes in Texas. He loved big and this world is a better place having had him in it.  

  Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Tom was a true servant leader.

  In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Lehr-Pritchard Endowment Fund Texas Retired Teacher Foundation or Tom and Jane Pritchard Weatherford College Scholarship for Future Educators or Nurses.