Dale Cemetery

Dale, Pottatomie County, Oklahoma

© Cooper Funeral Home
Submitted by: Terry Dudley

Thank You For Your Service!

Jackie (Jack) Wayne Pritchard

August 4, 1930 ~ October 21, 2022

Jackie (Jack) Wayne Pritchard of Stillwater, Oklahoma went to his heavenly home October 21, 2022 after a long journey with Alzheimer. Jack was 92 years old.

Jack was born to Vinson Jefferson and Ina Pearl (Kelin) Pritchard on August 4, 1930 in Seminole, Oklahoma.

Jack was raised southeast of Shawnee, OK, moving often in his early years. He attended Earlsboro High School where he graduated in the spring of 1949. While at Earlsboro, he encountered the subject that would become his life's work, Agriculture Education. Jack was a member of the Earlsboro FFA Chapter where he exhibited Berkshire hogs and earned the Degree of Master Farmer. This 'Green Country Boy", made his way to Oklahoma A&M to major in Animal Science. Rooming with his friend Gene Kottke on Duck Street he worked in a café in order to secure three squares a day. Jack worked various jobs during the summers at the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in Shawnee and laid brick for the then new Shawnee High School on Union St.

Gene introduced Jack to a "college girl' from Dale, OK who became the love of his life, Betty Jean Roberson of Dale, OK. The Korean War was upon them and Jack wanted to serve in the Air Force. He had completed two years of college ROTC so he was able to feel secure about his eventual assignment at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jack and Betty were married November 8, 1952 and experienced 62 years together before her passing May 22, 2015.

After serving our country in the Air Force as a "safe cracker" which he recently disclosed to his family, Jack returned to Oklahoma A&M to finish his Bachelor's degree. By this time he and Betty had in tow their young son, Steve. Times were tough going to school and supporting a family. Jack's first teaching assignment was at Glencoe, Oklahoma as the Agriculture Education Instructor and FFA Advisor teaching there for ten years. During these years a daughter Barbie was added to the family. Jack earned his Master's Degree from A&M and he and Betty bought (the farm) south of Glencoe. He promised Betty that if she agreed to live there he would build her a dream home in ten years. He was good on that promise. Jack earned his Doctorate and became a professor at Oklahoma State University where he served in the Agriculture Education and Communications Department for 28 years. One of his proudest honors was receiving the Outstanding Teaching Professor Award at OSU in 1991. Jack earned all three degrees from Oklahoma State University. Later in life he would tease the nurses his blood was orange. Jack was a major influence on the profession of Agriculture Education through the numerous student teachers he instructed. He was passionate about Education. He was instrumental in forming the Agriculture Education Scholarship Program. Jack helped to secure funding for the Spirit Rider along with Dr. Finley. Jack did not brag about his involvement with the Spirit Rider, he wanted his mentor, Dr. Finley to have the credit. He and Betty helped to found the North Jardot Church of Christ in Stillwater in 1981 first meeting in their home. The original blueprints for the building were recently uncovered at his farm. The first meeting in the new building was in 1983. Through his association with the members he and Betty along with his family formed life long, multigenerational friends. Not only did he teach about agriculture he excelled in the practice. He developed a small herd of elite Angus cattle by practicing the latest techniques in DNA evaluation and embryo transfer. Not one to literally sit still in his 70's, he ran track and competed in the Senior Olympics, holding several records for his age division in the 100 yard dash. He was determined to deliver a shadow box of medals to each grandchild. He fulfilled that goal. Jack also served for eight years on the Central Rural Electric Board of Trustees. His experiences were valuable in leading the board to make decisions that positioned the Co Op for future success. Realizing the need for a rural water system and a reservoir, Jack helped form and served on the board of the 51 East Water System in Stillwater. Through his leadership, Lone Chimney Lake was built and water was available to sustain development on the east side of Stillwater. Anyone that knew Jack knows he was a determined individual and when told "no, that cannot be done", he would prove you wrong. He was caregiver to wife, Betty for seven years in their home. Even in the grips of Alzheimer, he lived with great fortitude and determination. We will miss him.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Vinson Jefferson and Ina Pearl (Keelin) Pritchard, Sister Peggy Ann Valenzuela, Brother Johnny V. Pritchard, and wife Betty Jean Roberson Pritchard.

He is survived by his brother Jimmy Pritchard and wife Wanda of Shawnee, OK, son, Steve W. Pritchard and his wife Virginia of McLoud, OK, daughter Barbie L Teel and her husband Joe of Stillwater, OK, grandchildren Lindsey M. Potts and her husband Allen Potts of McLoud, OK, Joshua D. Teel and his wife Maddie of Lebanon, MO, Tatum N. Wallace and her husband Brock of Wayne, OK and Noah C. Teel of Claremore, OK., great grandchildren, Michael Pritchard, Kholee Potts, Ava Teel, River Potts and baby Wallace in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2022 and continue through service time. Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Glencoe High School Event Center with Elder Gary Teel, North Jardot Church of Christ in Stillwater, OK officiating. Graveside Committal Service will be 2:30 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Dale Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.