Garry Lee Pritchett

Sep 21, 1943 — Jun 14, 2026

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Garry Lee Pritchett passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, at the age of 82, after a life marked by faith, service, and devotion to family.

Garry was born on September 21, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Henry William and Wanda Maxine Lords Pritchett. He was raised alongside his brother, Sherden, and sister, Mara Dawn. In 1949, the family moved to Pocatello, a community that became home for the rest of his life. It was there that he built a career, raised a family, and formed lasting friendships.

As a teenager, Garry gained a testimony of the restored gospel that never left him, shaping the way he lived, served, and loved throughout his life.

From 1962 to 1965, Garry served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Spanish-American Mission, serving in Texas, New Mexico, and Southern California. There he learned to speak Spanish and developed a love for the people he served. His testimony of Jesus Christ remained a guiding influence throughout his life.

After returning home, Garry attended Idaho State University, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees. He loved learning and had a particular passion for history.

He went on to dedicate much of his life to serving his country and community. He served for 20 years in the Idaho Army National Guard and spent over 30 years with the Pocatello Police Department, retiring as a Captain.

While Garry valued his accomplishments in law enforcement, he was especially proud of opportunities to build relationships and strengthen the community he loved. He was a strong supporter of programs such as D.A.R.E., the GREAT Program, and school resource officers, believing that a positive influence at the right time could change a young person's life.

Away from work, Garry was an accomplished scale modeler who enjoyed creating detailed military and historical scenes. He earned several awards for his work, formed lasting friendships through his local modeling club, and found joy in teaching his grandchildren many of the skills that later became part of their own interests and hobbies.

Through decades of service, Garry became a familiar and respected figure throughout the community. While he never sought attention or recognition, the stories shared during his final months reminded his family just how many lives he had touched.

In May 1981, Garry married Melba Cleva Henson and embraced her children, Dan and Stephanie, as his own. Together they welcomed their son Jeremy in 1982 and spent the next four decades building a life together through both joyful and difficult seasons.

Temple covenants were among the greatest blessings of Garry's life. In 2013, he and Melba were sealed in the Seattle Washington Temple. During that same sacred experience, they were also sealed to their son Jeremy. His faith in Jesus Christ and his knowledge of eternal families sustained him throughout his life and brought him peace in his final days.

More than any accomplishment, Garry's greatest joy was his family. He loved hearing about the lives of his children and grandchildren and was always asking for updates.

His grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He loved hearing about their lives and looked forward to every story, accomplishment, and milestone. Their successes brought him joy, their challenges drew his concern, and they remained one of his greatest sources of pride.

In the final months of his life, Garry was humbled by the kindness shown to him by family, friends, former coworkers, and members of the community he had served for decades. The visits, calls, messages, memories, and stories shared with him became treasured gifts. A celebration of his life held shortly before his passing was one of the highlights of his final weeks. He spoke often of the people who came and was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support.

Garry is survived by his children, Dan (Amanda) Anderson and Stephanie (Mark) Starr; grandchildren Denton and Owen Anderson, and Adam Dolle, Sasha Starr, and Aaron Starr; his sister, Mara Dawn (Bruce) Hedlund; and many extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melba Pritchett; his beloved son, Jeremy Pritchett; his parents, Henry William and Wanda Maxine Pritchett; and his brother, Sherden H. Pritchett.

When asked how he wished to be remembered, Garry's answer was simple: as a man who did his best to care for his family, keep his temple covenants, and serve the Lord. Those who knew him would agree that he spent his life striving to do exactly that.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4010 Hawthorne Road, Pocatello, Idaho. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10:15 a.m. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Norton Cemetery in McCammon, Idaho.

Services will be webcast for those unable to attend in person.

Garry wanted to keep things simple. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for any contributions to help with funeral expenses. Donations may be made through Wilks Funeral Home (208-238-8000) or via Venmo at @Mombie-Starr (Stephanie Starr).

This information is being shared in response to the many friends and family members who have asked how they can help. We are deeply grateful for the love, prayers, messages, visits, and support shown to our family during this time.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Viewing

Friday, June 26, 2026

9:00 - 10:15 am (Mountain time)

LDS Church - Hawthorne Road-Quinn Rd.

4010 Hawthorne Road, Pocatello, ID 83202

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Funeral Service

Friday, June 26, 2026

10:30 am - 12:00 pm (Mountain time)

LDS Church - Hawthorne Road-Quinn Rd.

4010 Hawthorne Road, Pocatello, ID 83202

Livestream

Click to watch

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Graveside Service

Friday, June 26, 2026

2:00 - 3:00 pm (Mountain time)

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Guestbook

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