Philip "Walt" Walter Pritchett

On April 20th, 2026, Philip Walter Pritchett, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully. Walt navigated life in an understated manner, championing honesty and integrity above all else. He was a lifelong learner with a deep knowledge of science, history, political science, and a love of literature, especially Frost and Kipling. A spiritual man, he was always active in The United Methodist Church and taught adult classes for many years.

Born to Anna Burnett Pritchett and John Waller Pritchett on July 31, 1928, in Austin, Texas. He was the youngest of four with his three siblings, John, Louise, and William (Bill). Walt grew up during the Great Depression without a lot of money but enjoyed a life rich with literature, neighborhood baseball games, fishing, and hunting on his uncle's ranch in Wimberly and at their home on the coast in Rockport. Walt's parents were academically focused, with his father's family from a line of college professors and university presidents. His mother's parents read and wrote Greek and Latin, and her father served as a judge and also a member of the Texas legislature. Walt was also strongly influenced by the pioneer spirit of his mother's family. Dad's grandmother had raised his mom and her siblings while blind, cooking over a wood fire and getting water from a well, guided by a wire. This resilient spirit guided Walt throughout life, as we never heard him complain about any circumstance or condition that he faced. Walt recalled many incredible stories of his parents and grandparents, including his great-grandmother having to come into town in San Marcos to have her children, as the Comanche raids were too active at the time.

Walt graduated from Austin High School in 1945. He then studied Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas in Austin, earning his BS in 1949 and a Master's in 1950, both Cum Laude. As a top student, Dad formed a strong relationship with many of his professors, including the legendary Dr. John Mcketta, who had just arrived to teach at UT.

Walt began his career with the Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There, he met Anne Butler at the First Methodist Church and fell in love. They married on June 26th, 1954. The following year, Walt was awarded the Dupont Fellowship, prompting a move to Delaware to pursue his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware, which he was awarded in 1959. Walt joined Esso (later Exxon) Research Labs in Baton Rouge. In 1966, Walt transferred to the Exxon Research Labs in Baytown, Texas, where he and Anne raised their family of four children on Burnett Drive on Burnett Bay. Walt spent much of his distinguished career in research with Exxon, traveling to Japan and Italy to assist with the operation of polypropylene plants. Upon retiring from Exxon in the early 1980's, he became a professor of Chemical and Natural Gas Engineering at Texas A & M University in Kingsville. He later served as Department Head and enjoyed his time mentoring students.

Walt and Anne retired to Corpus Christi and enjoyed going to baseball games, beach excursions with their grandkids, and a good scope of ice cream. In 2017, they moved to Longhorn Village, where Walt especially enjoyed the Men’s Talking Group, the range of classes and activities, and was often seen at all the good parties. In the last 9 months, he was supported with great care by wonderful staff in the Health Center, whom we so appreciate.

Walt enjoyed classical music, the theater, a bit of bridge, Astro baseball, and all sports from his beloved alma mater, the University of Texas, and a good lemon pie.

Walt lived his life modestly with curiosity, integrity, kindness, and empathy, and instilled these values in his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anne Pritchett. Walt was immensely proud of his children, who all survive him: Cornelia Amiri of Round Rock, Anne Minor (Phil) of Austin, Pamela Pohl (Ralf) of Chicago, and Robert Pritchett of Highlands, Texas. Walt cherished his grandchildren, Kavon Amiri of Round Rock, Dr. Noah Minor of Boston, Alexandra Pohl of New York, and Max Pohl at Boston College, and one great-grandson, Eli Fehr at Texas State University. Walt joyfully celebrated his grandchildren’s many achievements/ accomplishments.

Singing brought joy, especially in his later years, and we will celebrate Walter on June 8th with a service at Riverbend Church's Smith Family Chapel in Austin, Texas, at 10:30, then later in the day, a singing celebration.