Lewis Bayard Pratt

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to First Street Mission of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, 800 West 5th St., Fort Worth, Texas 76102, or to your favorite charity.

Lewis was born Jan. 3, 1920, in Boynton, Okla., to Floyd and Leona Pratt. He grew up in Sapulpa, Okla., where he graduated from high school. Lewis served with the 9th Army Air Force on the European front during World War II and retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel.

He graduated from Oklahoma A&M College in 1948 with a degree in mechanical engineering. While in college, he affiliated with Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and met the love of his life, Eloise Ross. They were married on April 10, 1949. After a brief stint in the business of manufacturing salt water taffy with his sister and brother-in-law in Estes Park, Colo., they moved to Fort Worth where he began his career of 32 years as an engineer designing and testing wing spans for General Dynamics. Although his job required much travel, he was always available to help his sons, Bayard and Rodger, by coaching their Little League baseball and basketball teams.

Lewis and Eloise were active members of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, and after retiring he volunteered many hours at their First Street Mission.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise; his parents; his brother, Floyd D. Pratt; sister, Juanita Pratt Slack; and his infant daughter, Leslie.

Survivors: Sons, Bayard Pratt (Louann Teel-Pratt), Rodger Pratt (Elizabeth Adams); grandchildren, Adam (Emily), Robert and Hannah Pratt; and many nieces and nephews.