Edward C. Pratt Jr.

Edward C. Pratt, Jr., the first of seven children, was born in New Orleans, LA on January 25, 1941 to the late Edward C. Pratt, Sr. and Elva Turner Pratt. As the oldest of 7 children, Edward was extremely protective and caring of all of his siblings. In his early years he attended Valena C. Jones School in New Orleans. For his seventh and eighth grade years he attended Couvont Junior High School which prepared him to enter St. Augustine High School in 1954. Edward attended St. Augustine High School from ninth to twelfth grade. He was very active at school. He was a member of the Marching 100 and played the tenor saxophone. He graduated in one of the first graduating classes in 1958. His love for St. Aug never faded. Once a Purple Knight, always a Purple Knight. He sent all of his sons to St. Aug. and continued to support the school through the Houston Alumni Association. After graduation Edward married Joyce Jason and from that union Jerome, David, Monica and Gregory were born. As a father, his protective spirit only intensified. His siblings and children always felt safe knowing that Edward was always their protector. In 1990 he married his devoted wife JoAnn and shortly after this union his youngest son Stephen was born. They travelled all over the country in the RV (aka his other child). Edward worked in the transportation industry for almost all of his adult life. Maybe this is why he loved large vans. This was only the beginning of large vehicles for Edward. After driving a conversion van for years, he invested in an RV. This investment only solidified his love for the road. In April of 1989 he hit the road and moved to California to start a career with Montabello Transit as a bus driver later being promoted to Dispatch Supervisor until he retired in 2005. After his retirement he hit the road again for is last move to Houston, Texas to be closer to his mother. A devout Catholic and steward of the church, Edward was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Houston, Texas. On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Edward departed life at his residence in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Elva (Turner) Pratt, his brother Marcel A. Pratt, Sr., and son Jerome Pratt, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, JoAnn Childs Pratt; five children, David Pratt (Tia), Monica Oates (Vern), and Gregory Pratt, April Pratt, Stephen Pratt and stepson Robert Childs (Cabrina); five brothers and sisters, Brenda Simpson (Arthur), Sandra Evans (Czolgus), Denise Turner (Isaac), Glen Pratt, Sr. (Josie), and Kermit Pratt; fourteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend A Mass at 11:00 AM on Thursday February 25, 2021 at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, 3006 Rosedale St. Huston, Texas; A Visitation will be held at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA on Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave., New Orleans, LA. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences for the family.