Alexander Thomas Martin Pratt Obituary (1938

Alexander Thomas Martin Pratt, 84, passed away in his home on May 25, 2023. He was born September 19, 1938, in Saint Martinville, Louisiana. He spent his childhood with his grandmother until she passed when he was seven years old. Alexander resided with friends until enrolling in the Holy Rosary Institute in Lafayette, Louisiana. After graduating, he moved to Houston to live with his mother. Alexander enrolled at Prairie View A&M University and while working in the library, he earned a Bachelors of Arts in History with a minor in Library Science. Alex later earned a Masters of Arts from PVAMU in History, with a minor in Political Science. Once he graduated, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mable Thompson, and they moved to La Marque, Texas. Alex continued a love of learning throughout his life taking graduate courses at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas, North Texas University, and University of Houston at Clear Lake. Mr. Pratt taught at Woodland Junior High and Prairie View A&M University and loved Texas History and US History, as well as sharing his knowledge of Afro-American History with students. His influence on the lives of students he taught was renowned, earning him the distinction of Teacher of the Year Award while at Woodland. Mr. Pratt later became Chairman of the History Department at College of the Mainland. He was a visiting professor at Galveston College, Prairie View A&M, and Texas A&M University Galveston, and also taught in the "College without Walls" program in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Agency. Alexander was active in his community of LaMarque for decades. As the first black city council member elected, he gave his time for eight years, and served as Mayor pro tem for two years. Alex was actively involved in the Jaycees, the Texas City Heritage Association, the Galveston County Historical Commission, the Galveston County Museum, the Galveston Historical Foundation, and the Texas State Historical Association. He was a member of Queen of Peace church and enjoyed the art of conversation - with any and everyone. The impact that Alexander Pratt had on his community will be long lasting. He won the H.K. "Griz" Eckert Award (Humanhood through Brotherhood), the Jaycee of the Year Award, the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award, and the Gulf Coast Association for the Education of Young Children Citizen of the Year Award. His family is proud of their husband, father, and grandfather - knowing that they shared such a remarkable man with their community brings them great comfort. Alex will be remembered for his ability to "speak softly, yet carry a big stick"; he never raised his voice but had the ability to get a point across. He spoke kind words and never judged anyone by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. He was a husband, father, grandfather, churchman, scholar/teacher, citizen, and friend. Alexander was preceded in death by his mother Louise Jacquet Thompson and his stepfather Oliver Thompson. He is survived by his beautiful wife Mable, sons Thomas (LaMarque) and Thaddeus (Sugar Land), daughter-in-law Kara, and grandchildren Alexis, Mia and Jaxon.His family includes his sister-in-law Doris Givens and her husband James of Clear Lake, Texas, relatives Consuella, Tammy and DeAnzaCharles of Louisiana, Dobie and Paulette of San Antonio, and Marie and Ted George of New Orleans. A public visitation for Alexander Pratt will be held at Carnes Funeral Home from 6-8 pm on Friday, June 2, with a Rosary starting at 8 pm. services will be held at Carnes Funeral Home located at 3100 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas. A second visitation will be held at Queen of Peace Church on Saturday, June 3rd at 9:30 am, with the Funeral Service Mass immediately after at 10am. located at 1224 Cedar Drive, La Marque, Texas 77568. Mr. Pratt will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.at 7801 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, Texas 77539