Roger Lay Pritchett

Roger Lay Pritchett - age 83, a longtime resident of Lathrop, MO passed away unexpectedly Thursday, October 31, 2024, at his home in Lathrop. Roger was born on April 25, 1941, the son of Coe and Kathleen (Rogers) Pritchett in Columbia, MO. Roger grew up in the Nashua neighborhood and attended Liberty Schools. The family moved to Lathrop his freshman year and he was a 1959 graduate of Lathrop High School. Following high school he attended Mizzou and served in the United States Marine Corps.  He married the love of his life, Francis DeAnn Mellon on November 14th, 1964, at the First Baptist Church of Lathrop. They remained inseparable until DeAnn passed away in 2020. Roger worked for his In-laws at Mellon's Market in Lathrop and retired from the North Kansas City School District.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lathrop and the Lathrop Masonic Lodge #506. He was also an Eagle Scout and had served on the Lathrop School Board. Roger was a dedicated blood donor, having given blood 168 times totaling 21 gallons.  Family was everything to Roger; he loved them, especially his daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. He was a sports fan, a supporter of Lathrop Mules athletics and his grandchildren's sports activities. Roger loved attending the Indy 500 and enjoyed NASCAR. Roger will be dearly missed by his family, friends and community. 

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; wife, DeAnn; and sister, Nancy Mayville. He is survived by his sons, Jim Pritchett (Stephanie) of Rolla, MO, Patrick Pritchett (Carrie) of Kansas City, MO, and Matthew Pritchett (Tori) of Lathrop, MO; grandchildren, Hannah, Joshua (Cassie), Muluken, Loran, Dawit, Jessica, Ella, Benjamin, Daniel, Brayden, Chloe, and Brianna; one great-grandchild on the way; nieces and other extended family members also survive. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Lathrop in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Roger's life will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, November 4, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Lathrop.  The family will receive friends beginning at 11 AM Monday at the church .  Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Lathrop Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

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