Robert D. Prichard 1928 - 1987

PRICHARD, BOWE, ELLIS

Posted By: Viv Reeves (email)
Date: 2/28/2014 at 12:47:55

Onawa Democrat, Onawa, (Monona), Iowa, 24 Sep 1987:

ROBERT D. PRICHARD

PROMINENT ONAWA LAWYER PASSES AWAY

Robert D. Prichard, 59, attorney at law, Onawa, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 16, 1987, in Burgess Memorial Hospital in Onawa following a long illness.

He was born January 3, 1928, in Onawa, the son of Elbert and Louise B. (Bowe) Prichard. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines in 1945. He served for two years in the Navy during World War II. He received a BA Degree from the University of Iowa in 1950. While at the University of Iowa, he was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. On July 6, 1952, he was married to Elaine Ellis at Mapleton. In 1952, Robert joined the law firm of Prichard and Prichard located in Onawa. The firm was founded 85 years ago by his grandfather, Jake Prichard. Robert was the third generation in the firm; other members were his father, Bert Prichard and his uncle, George Prichard. Robert was Monona County Attorney from 1955 until 1963.

He was a member of the Monona County Bar Association and served as secretary from 1953-1959 and 1960-1961 and as president 1959-1960. He was a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and served on the Board of Governors from 1977 until 1979. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Onawa, having served as President in 1962 and served as Lieutenant Governor of the Nebraska-Iowa Kiwanis District in 1966. He was a member of the UCC Congregational Church where he held several offices. He presently was a member of the Onawa Public Library Board, Onawa Chamber of Commerce, Prairie Gold Area Boy Scouts Advisory Board, David-McNeill Post #129 American Legion, Vesper Masonic Lodge #223 AF & AM of which he was a Past Master and often presided as Orator for Masonic services, the Sioux City Consistory and Abu Bekr Shrine Chanters.

He served as a volunteer Special Deputy Sheriff from 1969 through 1971. In 1986 he was presented a plaque as an “Award of Merit In Recognition of Loyal Service to West Monona Community School” for thirty years of volunteer service as public address announcer at the school football games and track meets.

Robert is survived by his wife, Elaine, of Onawa, and three sons, David of LaJolla, Calif., John of Kelso, Wash. and Thomas of Falls Church, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents.

During his illness he received an enormous support and love from his friends and family. The family wants to thank all who helped in many ways. Despite his illness he went out like a soldier in battle.

His legacy is the inspiration he gave his family and friends and his wonderful sense of humor.

Memorial services were held at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 1987, in the U.C.C. Congregational Church in Onawa. The Abu Bekr Shrine Chanters, under the direction of Mr. Donald Kelsey, presented a service of several musical selections. The Chanters were accompanied at the piano by Mary Jo Weins.

Interment was in the Onawa Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Pearson Funeral Home, Onawa, Iowa.