PRATT, Gerald B. Gerald B.
Pratt, 87, of Rockwall, and formerly San Antonio, Texas, passed peacefully at his memory care residence, on December 27, 2020, from late-stage Alzheimer's disease. Gerald was born on December 2, 1933, in Dallas, to Charlie and Lena, and was the second of five siblings. He graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas and the University of Texas at Austin. He enlisted while in college and after graduating completed active duty stationed in Virginia. Back in Texas, he taught in the Dallas ISD, at the YMCA, and served in the Ready Reserve. He received his doctorate from North Texas State in Denton. He traveled nationally as a summer visiting professor. For 27 years, Gerald taught at St. Mary's University. On February 16, 1973, he married Tonda Wittkamper of Indiana. They raised two children, Emily and Jarvis. Gerald was a member and held many leadership roles at Alamo Heights Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He enjoyed traveling with his family, yardwork, reading the newspaper, and walking and was known for his fitness late into life. He spent much of his later life providing care for his wife with cancer; they enjoyed watching Grey's Anatomy and listening to music. Recently, he loved visits from his family including his two grandchildren. He was respected as a thoughtful and kind person. Gerald is survived by two sisters, Letha Pratt King (Bob), of Dike (Sulphur Springs), and Linda Baxter, of Rockwall; daughter, Emily Pratt (Aaron Kind), of Montana; son, Jarvis Pratt, of Lubbock; grandchildren, Daisy and Silas "Pip" Kind; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Tonda Wittkamper Pratt; sister, Betty Helen Broderick; and brother, George Pratt.