Daniel Clifford Pruett

Dan Pruett lived large, a powerful presence on this earth who will live in all that knew him forever. Daniel Clifford Pruett, 59 passed away February 2, 2014 after a five-month herculean battle with metastatic brain cancer. Dan lived a life guided by tradition, loyalty and honorable values. He brought passion to whatever he did, from raising his children to mowing his lawn. His loyalty to everything in his life was extraordinary. For all that knew him, it was known that every morning his day would begin at Waids, two eggs scrambled. Without fail, every Friday night found him at the table with spaghetti and wine, and every weekend possible he was lake bound. He was a master at capturing the attention of all that he met. His story telling was an art. He could take the simplest of stories and turn them into hilarity. He was a master at giving speeches and was in his glory while giving toasts. Dan loved to travel and did so extensively, but always said there was no place like home. He was a proud and devoted father. Dan taught his four children life’s greatest lessons by example. He faithfully attended to what he deemed important in life; his catholic faith, his home, his work, his friends and most importantly his family. He loved holidays and created memorable traditions for all of his favorites. Nothing was ordinary in the way he celebrated. Halloween costumes were elaborate and the children anticipated the haunted houses he created for years. Thanksgiving brought extravagant sit down dinners for extended family. Christmas brought childhood magic by his enthusiasm; everything from picking out the perfect tree to his infamous reading of T’was the Night Before Christmas, was cherished by everyone. Fourth of July was honored with his annual reading of the declaration and his fireworks display that he provided for all. He celebrated life with intensity; his enthusiasm was contagious to everyone around him. Dan’s very happiest moments were when he, his wife and four children were at their beloved lake home.

Dan was born May 31, 1954, in Kansas City Missouri, the son of Dorothy and Frank Pruett. He attended St. Francis Xavier grade school and Bishop Hogan High school. His career began in 1975 at Pruett Medical, a family owned orthopedic sales company. Dan continued in this field for 40 years, building a successful career and countless cherished friendships. His adoration for the doctors, nurses and colleagues he worked with over the many years were immense.

Dan leaves behind his cherished wife of 25 years Elizabeth Pruett and his four treasured children, Alli and fiancé Jake Droge, Danny Jr., Mary Kate and Megan. Dan also leaves his 3 siblings; Tom Pruett; Terry Pruett and Pam Collins, his “little sister” Susan Hoefer and her husband Mike. In addition he leaves behind his mother and father in-law Bette and Richard Beutler whom he held very dear to his heart; along with his brother in-laws and their wives. Dan and Jo Beutler and Steve and Sue Beutler. He has many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles whom he adored and loved to celebrate life’s events with.

In lieu of flowers the family gratefully asks for memorial contributions to be made to St. Therese Little Flower Food Pantry, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, MO 64130. Dan had continued his father’s legacy of providing the food pantry with meals throughout the holidays. Visitation will be held at Nativity Parish, 3700 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS, Thursday, February 6 from 5:30 to 7:30. A prayer service will begin the visitation. A funeral mass will be held at Nativity, Friday, February 7 at 10am. Interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City.