Jerry Duane Pritchard, Sr.

Jerry Duane Pritchard, Sr., 73, of Palestine, IL died at 2:53 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the comfort of his home. He was born on December 21, 1945 in West Union, IL, the son of Lanta Newlin & Betty Lou Pritchard; both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his half- sister, Nora Lou Knoblett. He married Barbara Wesner on February 14, 1981, and she survives. He is also survived by his children & spouses, Kim & Arnold Herman, Jerry, Jr. & Merna Pritchard, and Cory & Amber Pritchard; by his grandchildren, Nakeya Pritchard, Mila Lane Pritchard; by his brother & sister-in-law, Ron & Deb Newlin; by his sisters & brothers-in-law, Lannette & Rusty Huddleston, and Twyla & Jim Bailey; by his sisters-in-law & brother-in-law, Molly & Robert Decker and Mary Ellis; by his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, James R. Ellis & Trisha Ellis; as well as several nieces and nephews. Jerry was raised by his grandparents, Lyman & Anna Mae Pritchard in the West Union area. Following his graduation from Hutsonville High School in 1964, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964-1966. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for Hubert’s Grocery Store and AMF before getting on with Victor Dana, with whom he worked for 43 years before retiring as a mill operator in 2012. Much of his time away from work was dedicated to sport. He played basketball in high school, and when he got on with Dana, was a staple of their fast-pitch team. Jerry not only played, but he coached softball and baseball for several years as well, influencing countless area children in the process. He followed ball clubs through the years, from the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals to the Terre Haute Rex and Evansville Otters baseball teams. He was also quite the bowler as well: on March 7, 1985, he bowled a perfect 300 game and 819 series. He was also well-known for his artistic talent and had a penchant for drawing cartoon characters. He was a longtime member of the Robinson American Legion Post #69 as well as the Moose Lodge. We owe so much to this man. Jerry’s selfless service to country, dedication to area youth, and loyalty to family will forever be his legacy, and could never be forgotten. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Memorials may be made to “Lincolnland Hospice”, with envelopes available at the funeral home.