Pete Prentice

Melvin "Pete" Prentice, 86, of Buffalo Gap, TX passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2019.  Pete had one of the biggest hearts around and would do anything for anybody, especially for his loving wife Velma.  Born to Bradley and Gladys Prentice on January 25, 1933 in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, Pete was the youngest of his siblings and always took care of everyone around him.

Pete served in the U.S. Army until December of 1954 when he was honorably discharged from the service.  After returning from the War he married Velma Inez Turner, also of Buffalo Gap, on December 23, 1954.  Pete and Velma had two children, Larry Dale and Michael Ross "Mike" Prentice, whom he loved so dearly.  He taught his boys a lot in his time, like how to work hard and always take good care of their families.  Pete worked at Central Texas Iron Works for 34 years until they closed, and then he started his own business, Pete Prentice Fabrication.  At Pete Prentice Fabrication the motto was, "if it's difficult it's done reasonable, if it's impossible it's expensive.”  He ran his business until he retired in 1999.  He then spent his days fishing with his friends and welding everything in Buffalo Gap.  All of his work is still standing all around Buffalo Gap.  His family and friends all agree that he was comical as hell.  He was a fantastic artist and could cook the best beer battered onion rings, "Pete's way.”  He'd use half a can of beer and save the other half for himself, along with "Papaw's Clear Pepsi."  

Pete was preceded in death by both parents and multiple brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving wife Velma, his sister, Marilyn, both sons,  Larry and wife Leslie of Tuscola, Mike and Regina also of Tuscola, grandchildren Lanny, Laressa, Kayla, Briar, Maycen, and London, and several great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews and other various family members.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.  A graveside will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Buffalo Gap Cemetery wit T.G. Rose officiating.