Perry Pritchard, United States Coast Guard Veteran

Perry Pritchard was born on April 16, 1925 at Rogers, Texas and passed away September 5, 2011 at the New Century Hospice in Harker Heights, Texas at the age of 86.

Perry proudly served his country as a Fireman in the United States Coast Guard, from 1943 to 1946, patrolling in the North Atlantic during War World II.

After the war, Perry settled in the Texas Hill Country where he worked as a contractor.

On September 8, 2011, Patriot Guard Riders assembled at the Belton Funeral Home in Belton, Texas. They led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas, where the arriving family and friends were greeted by fifty American flags blowing in the brisk Texas wind.

The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter, as the Chaplain for the Hospice said the final prayers and led the gathering in The Lord's Prayer.

As the Coast Guard Bugler played taps, the Honor Guard folded the flag that had draped the coffin into the traditional triangle, and presented it to Perry's dear wife, Dorothy, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Coast Guard and a grateful nation, as thanks for his years of faithful service.

The service concluded with the playing of a recording of the song "Precious Memories".

Perry Pritchard was then laid to rest on the wind swept plain of the cemetery, over looking his beloved Hill Country, and the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two sons, one daughter and many other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald and New Century Hospice for biographical information.