Rev. Eldon Pritchard, 83, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 14, 2013 at his home in Arlington surrounded by his wife and daughters.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Biggers Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Biggers Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Meals On Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County, 320 South Freeway, Fort Worth, Texas 76104 or a charity of choice.
Eldon was born on May 21, 1930 in Oklahoma City to Curtis and Dolores Pritchard. He spent his early years in Fort Worth, and the family later moved to Lake Worth where he attended school graduating in 1948. He became involved in Boy Scouts at an early age, making lifelong friends who were members of his troop. He achieved the highest rank in scouting of Eagle Scout.
As a young man growing up in Lake Worth, Eldon rode horses all over the pastures which are now businesses and homes. He remained committed to his community and later served as President of the Board of Trustees of Lake Worth ISD.
He attended East Central State University in Ada, Oklahoma and served in the Army during the Korean War. As a young father working for American Airlines, he felt called to be a minister. He worked nights for the airlines at the old Amon Carter Field while carrying a full course load and attending Southwestern Seminary during the day, eventually receiving his diploma.
He was pastor of New Prospect Baptist Church in Nemo, First Baptist Thorp Spring, and served as Interim Pastor at First Baptist Lakeside in Fort Worth
After retiring from the ministry due to his health, Eldon and Linda moved from their lake home in Granbury to be near family in Arlington, Texas. He was a member of First Baptist Church Arlington and the Celebration Sunday School Class.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Belknap.
He loved his family, and his happiest times were spent surrounded by them and his many friends. He was a faithful and accepting pastor who helped many people celebrate times of great joy and led them through seasons of heartache. He will always be remembered as a man who “acted justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with God.”
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda; three daughters and sons-in-law: Peggy and David Kulesz of Arlington, Jeri and Dan Horne of Geneva, Illinois, and Judy and Pete Peresh of North Richland Hills; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Emma Pritchard; sister and husband, Nancy and Bill Milner.
