Earl Howard Pratz Jr.

At his bedside were his loving companion, Barbara Laughlin and dear friend, Anne Gibson. Earl was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on May 14, 1949. He was the only child of the late Mary Elizabeth and Earl H. Pratz Sr. In addition to Barbara he is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Pratz Necaise, three grandchildren, Blayne, Madalynn and Dylin Necaise, great grandson, Kaylen and many Friends.

Earl retired after a long and successful career as a chemist in the Aerospace Industry. Among his numerous awards was the commendation from NASA for his contribution to the development and flight certification of the Super Lightweight Tank which first flew on STS_91 June 2, 1998, on STS_95 October 29, 1998 and on the inaugural flight of the International Space Station STS_88 on December 4,1998.

A graduate of LA State University in Ruston, Earl was a chemist to the core. One of his greatest pleasures was finding fellow scientists with whom he could “talk science”.

Tall, at almost 6’3” and 230 lbs with a deep voice, he was a striking figure in any setting. Added to that was a dynamic, outgoing, personality who enjoyed meeting and learning from others.

Earl was funny, engaging and very intelligent. He had an inquisitive mind and was an avid learner. he was fascinated by how things work whether that was heavy equipment or the US political process.

As an active citizen he kept well informed , wrote letters to Congressmen, participated in pro constitution rallies, visited ICE facilities and submitted newspaper opinion pieces. On Facebook he fiercely argued against disinformation and for science based solutions to solve our country’s pressing problems.

He and Barbara shared common interests in lifelong learning, travel and the warm and stimulating friendships those activities provided. He was fascinated by Florence , Italy, in particular, for its rich trove of Renaissance art and Classic Greek and Roman sculpture. He also was also struck by the natural beauty and multicultural heritage of the American Southwest. He and Barbara also enjoyed co-hosting the NOLA History Reading Group and The Transformation Carnival Krewe Brunch.

Earl was a member of NOSHA and a marching member of Jeanne D’Arc He loved to cook and taught an adult learning food chemistry class, having first put his chemistry knowledge to use in the food industry.

Earl will be missed by many.

Please post your photos and memories on www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, help Earl support “Union of Concerned Scientists” (ucs.org/disinfo25).

A Celebration of Life will be held in the New Year.