Obituary of Reverend Melvin J. Pritts

Reverend Melvin J. "Mel" Pritts passed peacefully from his life of service on Sunday, September 22, 2013. Born on July 3, 1927, in Normalville, PA. Preceeded in death by parents, Nora and Clyde Pritts; brothers, Albert and George; and sister, Blanche. Survivors include wife, Betty (Noon) Pritts, whom Mel married in West Virginia in 1951. Other family includes children, Robert Wayne Pritts (Paula); Sheryl Ann Campbell (Barb Direnfeld); Susan Pritts Bryson (Gregory); and grandchildren, Leah Danielle Campbell, Patrick Brian Campbell (Anna), Matthew Allen Bryson, Katherine Victoria Bryson, Abigail Elizabeth Bryson; and great-granddaughter, Josie Natalia Campbell. During World War II Mel proudly served his country. Upon his discharge from service, Mel graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Later graduating from Pittsburgh, PA. Theological Seminary in 1959 with a Masters of Divinity Degree. Mel spent his life serving others through pastoral ministry with the United Methodist Church, spanning the years from 1954 through 1992. Mel and Betty served congregations, large and small, urban and rural, throughout the country from Pennsylvania to Arizona and Nevada. Since his retirement, Mel has enjoyed the laughter of his family and friends, his love of animals, and his continued joy of sharing God's love with others. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and above all as a good and faithful servant. Services Celebrating Mel's life will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at Catalina United Methodist Church, with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciatively accepted by the Catalina United Methodist Foundation or Stephen Ministry, 2700 East Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.