John A Pritchett

John Albert Pritchett, 88, of Moscow, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, after a long battle with cancer.

John was born in Pocatello, Idaho, March 22, 1935 to John and Flora (Sax) Pritchett.  He grew up in the town of Mackay, Idaho and graduated from Mackay High School.  He attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a degree in forestry.  In his early career, he worked as a fire fighter for the forest service and a miner in Colbalt, Idaho.  He joined the United States Army in 1959 and was honorable discharged in 1965.  His service in the army included Seoul, Korea.  He spent 43 years working for USDA as a wheat research technician, headquartered at Washington State University. He retired in 2000.  He was honored by Kim Campbell, PHD, with a new club wheat named Pritchett Wheat.

John married Afton Leaton in 1958, which ended in divorce.  He married Betty Wiswall in 1964, and they had two children; Karen, 1967, and Michael, 1969.  The marriage later ended in divorce.  He married Lois Flomer in 1990 and inherited three more daughters.  Lois affectionately teased John that it took him three times to get it right.  He always agreed.

John loved fishing, hunting, and bowling.  One of his favorite past times was to take his wife, children, and grandchildren fishing at Spring Valley.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Toast Masters, Eagles Aries Lodge, Moose Lodge, Palouse Regional Bowling Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael, his sister Gloria Pritchett, and his nephew Glen Pritchett.

Survivors include his wife, Lois, of 32 years, daughter Karen (Joe) Larance of Medical Lake, WA, and grandchildren Sabrina Earle and Michael Larance; daughter Kippy (Randy) Silflow of St. Maries, ID, and grandchildren Conner (Morgan) and Ryker Silflow; daughter Martie (Bill) Newmyer of Columbia, SC, and grandchildren Jillian and Kenny Newmyer; and daughter Trixy (Frank) Glasgow of Kennewick, WA, and grandchildren Michaela and Clayton Glasgow.  He is also survived by his brother David (Amy) Pritchett of Stuart, FL and niece Kris Pritchett of Moscow, ID.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 11 a.m. at Short’s Funeral Chapel.  A private crematory burial was held earlier. A reception will follow in the Empire Room at the University Inn Best Western. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or Palouse Regional Youth Bowling Program, or a charity of your choice.