Herschel Pritchett

Visitation: 9:30 AM on August 26, 2011 Funeral: 10:30 AM on August 26, 2011 Herschel W. Pritchett, 83, of Niantic, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at McKinley Court Care Center, Decatur, IL. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 26, at Niantic Christian Church, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Fairlawn Cemetery, Decatur, IL. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, will be handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Niantic Christian Church. Herschel W. Pritchett was born in Decatur, IL on May 24, 1929. He was the son of Virginia Bowyer and Carl W. Pritchett. He lived his life in Niantic where he graduated from Niantic-Harristown High School. He attended Millikin University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Business. He also attended the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI. He spent 2 years in the Army during the Korean War. He started his banking career at the State Bank of Niantic and worked there for 49 years eventually becoming President. Also, he was a 50 year Mason. Herschel was very active in the Niantic Christian Church. He served as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Elder, Trustee, and Chairman of the Board. Later, he gave his home to the church. He was very generous in his support of all community events in Niantic. He attended almost every basketball game and was a member of the Niantic-Harristown School board for many years. He was a charter member of the Niantic Civic Club. Because of his generosity, the park in Niantic was named Niantic Pritchett Park. He was a devoted life long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. His greatest pleasure was to go to the ball park, keep score, eat hot dogs and peanuts and cheer for the Cards. Of course, Stan Musial was his favorite ball player. Herschel was very active all his life and walking was his favorite exercise. It was not uncommon to see him walking all over Niantic. Herschel was a true friend to all and was truly a kind, compassionate, generous person. He spent his later years at McKinley Court and continued bringing cheer to all his fellow residents. He will be truly missed by the Niantic Harristown community. He is survived by one sister, Virginia Bolyard of Vandalia, and many nieces and nephews. "
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