William W. Pritchard

Bill this is David Pepper. Did not know you will but I did know Bob. Great guy even took him to dinner at Oak Tree. Also knew Susan Jane and her family All well. I hope you had a good life and we all hope to see you in heaven

In May of 1982, I owned a house on 18th street between Norfolk and Cincinnati. One morning I heard a what sounded like a horrible screeching crash at the 18th & Norfolk intersection. I ran out the door, to see an auto crash that was not near as bad as it sounded. I trotted down to the site to see if anyone was hurt. I discovered Bill down in the front seat behind the wheel. I opened the door and said Bill, Bill talk to me. He was dazed and was probably out for a moment or two. He came around and when he recognized me, he said Cort what happened, I said that it appeared that the lady who hit him had run the stop sign and hit him the door behind him. I said look I just live right over there, do you think you can walk, he said oh yeah, can we call the police from your house. I said sure. He was unsteady but with a little help I got him there. Had him lay down on the couch. I got a cold compress on his forehead. I called the police to report the accident. I said do you want an ambulance. He said I don't think so, but lets call Susan Jane. It seemed like she got there in heartbeat. I helped her get him loaded into the car. A few days later, I Bill called to say thanks, suggested that the next time we get together it should be for a drink. His sense of humor, was intact. I've always thought about how fortuitous it was that that all happed nearly in my front yard, and I had the opportunity to help a friend and brother Sigma Chi. Bill will be truly missed by all of us. He was a good man and friend. R. Mark Cortner

Pritch was my friend from the early days at KU (Sigma Chi pledge brothers) more than 50 years ago. We stayed at one another’s house many times sharing stories (one-sided); golfing; going to KU games; dining, an occasional cocktail. HE flew me to a football game in Manhattan with the airplane door (mine) ajar the whole trip, assuring me all the way it was no big deal (to him). Thanks to him, I had many life experiences that I, otherwise, would not have had (golf at Southern Hills, prime seats at KU games, flew in Adams plane to view ranch (I threw up twice). He loved his family- I know all the nicknames but have met few of them. I never had to guess about his view on any topic. I’m glad I knew him. Larry Putnam, Emporia , Kansas

Q: What will you never forget about William? A: I have known Bill most of my life. He was my brother, Gary's,best friend. I have unforgettable, wonderful, loving memories of Bill. I always enjoyed being around him and as an adult I loved hearing all his great stories of his times with my family. He will be missed by so many people including me and my husband, Lisa and John Stinson. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Bill’s quick wit and enduring personality will long be cherished. He will be missed by many. Special memories of fun trips with Willie, SJ, and PeeWee with friends.

Bill was the perfect example of a life well lived. He was a devoted family man and a dear friend to many. He and SJ were the “quintessential fun couple” and the glue to our friend groups. SO many happy memories and great times! Definitely a life to be celebrated-he will be missed but never forgotten. Hugs, prayers, and much love to the Pritchard family.🙏❤️ Marilyn Noland

Mike and I entered the Pritchard world about 40 Years ago where our kids were tag Teamed in Age at Eliot elementary. We also Became Members of the Jo Mo annual simo-blast guys golf, skits and pie weekend. The early decades were the blessings of our kids, parties and dancing until the cleaners asked whether we swam in our cocktail clothes ( that Would be a yes). Church and Chili’s in the beginning then recent times bible study and pub w. We were “Willified” as Houchey dubbed him, on many occasions , the most infamous scaring me with a squirrel tail hanging out of the commode after a real experience had just happened to me. I learned to guard what information he got ahold of because it would Become screaming laughter for him. You had to go some to keep up With that quick wit. True joyful entertainment. So grateful for this past year particularly as we had more time to get together to watch his beloved KU basketball and he even graciously watched OU with Mike. Susan Jane and I even started cooking some Great game feasts that Bill relished. He loved an audience and didn’t Have trouble finding one . He knocked it out of the ballpark raising his 3 loving children then doting on the 10 grandchildren who he worshipped. Job well done Bill❤️ Love, Jane and Mike Juergens

The most unusual story of Willy might well be when he was thrown in military jail in about 1972, then intensely interrogated by the military. He attended David’s pre fight briefing with a flight of 4 enacting a fighter attack. Young Willy ate it up! David then took him to the flight line to check out the plane. Willy asked soooo many questions, there was no time to walk him off the flight line. So David pointed and said “straight through these 4 rows of fighters to the car.” As David was checking in the other planes, a look behind revealed Willy spread eagled on the ground with fully armed military police holding loaded M-16s against his head and a huge howling German Shepherd being held back from eating him. Of course, in his excitement to go see the plane, he forgot to bring his wallet so no ID. To this day Willy thanks & remembers Col Decker who got him out of handcuffs & jail!

To my children, Uncle Bill was always a must see when visiting Oklahoma. All five of my children loved and respected Uncle Bill. He had a magmatism that just drew all ages to him because Uncle Bill was so much fun.. Many of my older grandchildren came to know the joy of being around Uncle Bill as well. Willie will though out all their lives be a person they will remember, love, and tell stories of their Uncle Bill.. Thank you Uncle Bill for caring so much for my kids and grand kids. Love you Willie !!!!