Gilbert A. Deacon Pratt

He is survived by his beautiful bride, Annie whom he met at a dance and continued their "dance-of-life" for over fifty-nine years; daughter, Shirley Ann Lamille and husband Robert; and sons, Gilbert Andrew, Jr., Lawrence Arthur and Rose, Mark Anthony and wife Lorna, and Richard Alan and wife Cindy; as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Gilbert's reputation as a strong-rooted individual dedicated to servicing his community is inherent in his DNA.His ancestors migrated from the Canary Islands and settled in 1730 at Presidio San Antonio de Bejar. It is recorded that his direct ancestor was the first person baptized at the Mission de Valero The Alamo. While many other families of that era migrated into other states of the new land, all of Gilbert's direct ancestor's stayed, raised their families, and served to help make Bexar County a better community. He was also an active member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

A glimpse of his serving and steadfast spirit was evident even as a young man. After graduating early from Brackenridge High School at the age of 16, he volunteered to join the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Dane in the South Pacific during World War II. He rose from Third-Class Seaman to Acting Quartermaster as a Helmsman steering the ship, holding it unwavering "steady-as-she-goes" during General Quarters in preparation for an enemy attack as well as into-and-out-of crowded and tightly assembled naval docking ports.

After receiving his Honorable Discharge, Gilbert entered Texas A&M and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering. As one could even predict, after graduating from Texas A&M, he served his country yet again, this time in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was subsequently promoted to 1st Lieutenant before leaving the Air Force with an Honorable Discharge after six years of service.

He founded G. A. Pratt Engineering Company and operated it for more than thirty years. He was a member of the Professional Engineers of Bexar County, the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the Texas Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Civil Engineers. He was also a member of the "Mexican American Business and Professional Association". As a Professional Engineer he worked to make San Antonio a better place to live by designing the urban renewal projects of the early 70's that gave San Antonio a massive facelift while improving traffic flow and circulation transforming the market square and surrounding downtown areas into a beautiful showcase for our city's visitors. At its height G. A. Pratt Engineering Company had many other engineering contracts all over the country and Saudi Arabia.

As a young father he was Scout Master of a Boy Scout Troop for four years. He was Past-President of the civic, cultural, and international club "Sembradores de Amistad". For the past eleven years, he had given his time and energy by serving on the Board of Directors for Park South Village Apartments, a 200-Unit Non-Profit apartment complex in southwest San Antonio benefiting low-income families and the elderly. He was a member of "The Opera Guild of San Antonio", an organization that promotes the fine arts. He was Past-President of the Stardust Club; a non-profit civic organization who supports the Guadalupe Community Center, whose mission is to provide social services that enhance the culture, health, quality of life and progress of individuals and families in San Antonio's West Side community. He served serving twice as president of the Stardust Club; each time for a two-year period.

With all these accomplishments, he remained a humble and deeply devout religious individual who was ordained a Catholic Deacon in May l978 and served his church faithfully for twenty-five years, performing the faculties of baptism, marriage and burial. In fact, he officiated in the ceremony of marriage for three of his children and one grandchild. He also baptized three of his grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. And in the case of one grandchild he officiated in the ceremony of baptism, first communion, and later marriage.

Without fanfare or acknowledgment he also volunteered his services for over twenty-five years at Bexar County Detention Center, providing counseling and held special services for the detainees in an effort to help them make better choices for their lives upon release. After he served there voluntarily, he was then hired as a Chaplain at the Detention Center Annex providing for the religious needs of the detained inmates for ten years. While serving as Chaplin, he utilized his organizational skills to coordinate all the volunteer assignments, schedules and classes of the entire Bexar County Detention Center for the inmates of all faiths.

Just a few short years ago, Annie was overheard telling Gilbert, "We've had a good life together". There is no finer biographical testimonial than that! That "good life", rooted in honesty, love, hard work and a dedication to service to God and to others is a legacy he leaves to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and future generations to come; as well as to the countless many individuals in this community whose lives he has touched.

The family also wishes to acknowledge with thankful gratitude, Allen Garcia, MD; David Friedman, MD; and Robert Schnitzler, MD; who will always be respected for their undying dedication to their craft. The family will forever keep them in their prayers. The family also wishes to acknowledge Honorary Pallbearers for the burial service: Roy Barrera, Luis Garza and Richard Morales. A public viewing will be made available on Monday, September 12, 2011 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough, Ave., 78212.

ROSARY

TUESDAY

SEPTEMBER 13, 2011

7:30 PM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

4201 DEZAVALA RD.

MASS

WEDNESDAY

SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

9:30 AM

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

The family requests his legacy continues. In lieu of flowers, in-kind tax-deductible contributions may be made to the Serabia Family Health Center in his memory. Checks may be made payable to The StardustClub with the memo "S.F.H.C." mailed to P.O. Box #781348, San Antonio, TX, 78278

Interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery