Death of Evan Pritchett: On Monday, March 18, 2024, Evan James Pritchett, the most outstanding son, grandchild, nephew, and cousin, passed away. He was known for his empathy and consideration. He was called the best brother as well. He became well-known for hosting summer parties to celebrate his “half birthday” as a way to have a different celebration than Christmas.
Whether it was building Legos, having fun at the pool, playing golf, enjoying snow days, riding his scooter, or playing Nerf outdoors with his buddies and younger brother, Evan was always up to something. Evan delighted in reading a bedtime tale with his mom and brothers while cuddling with his beloved golden retrievers, Vito and Enzo. Books that transported him back in time were his favorite kind to read. Evan was always kind and obliging, seldom turning down a request from anybody (well, maybe his sister, who asked to take over some of the housework). Evan didn’t want to be aggressive or competitive; he just wanted to have fun and spend time with his loved ones.
At Greenmont Elementary, where he excelled in every school level with multiple awards for his helpful, courteous, and polite behavior, Evan was chosen to be a Peer Mediator. Evan and his closest friends enjoyed playing for Jackson Middle School on the golf team. In 2023, Evan received the MVP Swim Team award from the Parkersburg Country Club in recognition of his punctuality, willingness to help with any activity that needed to be done, best effort, and great friendship and teamwork. Everyone who knew Evan said he was always courteous, kind, giving, and smart beyond his years. Even though he wasn’t a big singer, Evan loved going to NPBC youth group and would often come home saying how much he loved the devotional music.
On his last night of life, Evan went to the Fab Four performance in Marietta with his family and two closest friends. Evan had just acquired a fondness for The Beatles’ music. Evan looked forward to his father, who had been his main caregiver since first grade, taking him to school every day. Since he was young, Evan had acquired an obsessive taste for spicy food and sour candies. Like a man with an endless hunger, he gobbled up black mussels and his grandfather’s homemade spaghetti sauce with blue crab. He loved everything his glamma made, sushi dates with his mother, and pizza nights at the fire station with his father. He found the greatest comfort in Aunt Carol, who always gave him what he wanted. Evan loved to protect his elder sister, wrestle with his younger brother, and take care of his younger sister. That he will never understand how much he is missed is devastating.
Visitation is scheduled on Friday, March 22nd, from 3 to 8 p.m. at North Parkersburg Baptist Church. There will be a quick closing ceremony. The dead will be buried in Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery after a funeral ceremony on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in Vienna, West Virginia. Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg is helping Evan’s family with the arrangements.
