Joseph Gohres Prechter

Joseph Gohres Prechter, Sr (Joe) was born March 9, 1948 in New Orleans to George William Prechter, Jr and Jane Gohres Prechter. Joe peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 31, 2020.

One of six children, Joe grew up in the church and that foundation shaped his life. Joe fondly spoke of his childhood in Uptown New Orleans, with his dear and lifelong friends Bob, Carl, and Clifford. Joe spent his childhood summers in Waveland, MS at the Prechter home with his family and friends. The Prechter boys ran a local snowball stand; and Joe continued that hobby in his later years, offering his services to make snowballs at any church function that would have him.

Joe graduated from Fortier High School before graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana Lafayette). After college, Joe spent several years as a Postal Inspector in Newark, New Jersey with his close friend Carl Pack. He returned to New Orleans and retired from FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) after twenty plus years. Shortly after his return to New Orleans, Joe met the love of his life and his bride of 40 years, Patricia McPhearson. They married April 26, 1980. Several years later, in the summer of 1988, Joe and Pat welcomed their son, Joseph Jr, to their family.

Joe’s favorite role in life was that of husband and father. He cherished every adventure with Joey and Pat. Joe lived to fill their lives with love and laughter. The Prechter house was always filled with people. Everyone who knew Joe well knew how proud he was to be Pat’s husband and Joey’s father. Joe loved to share the accomplishments of Colonel/Dr. Pat and Joey, and he would share numerous stories and pictures to anyone who would listen. Joe was even prouder when Joey met his fiancé while attending medical school, Dr. Rebecca Lee. Joe loved Rebecca immensely and was so excited to be her father-in-law.

Joe had a deep love for the United States and was passionate about traveling across the US, specifically to our National Parks. He made sure that Joey’s childhood summers were filled with exploring this country, traveling to 47 states on the family road trips.

Joe would want to be remembered for his love of God, family, and country, and in that order. The older Joe got, the more vocal he was about his appreciation of the many blessings the Lord had bestowed upon him. He loved life, but he also welcomed the day he would be called to his eternal home. Joe was a longtime member of Oak Park Baptist Church, where he was ordained a deacon, before joining First Baptist New Orleans where he continued to serve.

In addition to his wife, Patricia M. Prechter, Joseph is survived by his son, Joey (Rebecca), his two brothers George Prechter, III (Sue) and Michael Prechter (Cheryl), and his three sisters, Irene Prechter, Katherine Prechter, and Janet Prechter Golden (Jack). Joe had many nieces, nephews, and cousins who meant so much to him. Joe developed a passion for genealogy and would often spend hours talking with family in order to build a well-researched family tree.

Services will be held at First Baptist New Orleans on Saturday, September 5th, with open visitation from 9:30-10:30 am, and services at 10:30 am. Due to current COVID restrictions, masks and social distancing are required for attendance. Up to 250 people can attend services, but private burial services at Metairie Cemetery will be limited to 25 people and family-only. Joe will be laid to rest alongside his loving mother and father.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your local church or to First Baptist New Orleans in his honor.