Elmer Pruett

Age 85, last residing at 800 N Market St, Knoxville IL Died August 22,2010

Life began in Cape Girardeau, MO on July 12, 1925 for son of James Allen and Iva Mae (Hodges) Pruett.

The family moved to the Galesburg-Knoxville area where he attended school in Gilson. Elmer bought and sold horses, then enlisted in the u.s. Army during WW II where he drove amphibious vehicles (DUKW) in the Philippines and trained bus drivers in Japan. When he returned from WWII he farmed and worked a short time for John Deere. In the late 1940s he started E. Pruett Trucking with his brother Ed. In 1979 he sold out of the business and spent 4 years driving a truck for his son Jerry. He drove for several other companies before retiring to Florida-and then later to Georgia.

In 1947 he married Ruth Anne Gloria Miller and together they had eight children. The family resided in New Windsor before moving to Woodhull. Surviving are four daughters Judy (Robert) Harman ofWoodhul~ IL, Janice Litton of Woodhull, IL, June (Dave) Luciani of Woodhull, IL, Jacqueline Pruett of Alpha, IL; four sons, James (Stephen) Pruett of Orlando, FL, Jerry (Joan) Pruett of Woodhull, IL, J (Walt) Pruett of El Prado, NM, Jeffery Pruett of Dixon, IL; one daughter Tammy Pruett of Tucson, AZ from a second marriage; seventeen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Ruth Pruett, two sisters, six brothers, and one son-in-law Raymond Litton.

Elmer took pleasure in buying and selling bicycles an~ mowers. Always searching for a deal, he purchased items from garage sales and flea markets for friends and family. Playing cards, telling jokes, watching classic western movies, and listening to classic country music were some of his favorite past times. When he came home he enjoyed spending time with his family. Due to health issues Elmer lived his final months in Knox County Nursing Home. While there he made friends and enjoyed playing bingo to win gifts for his family.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family only. Everyone is invited to a Celebration of Life service for Elmer on Saturday, Sept. 1 I , 2010 from 2-5PM, at the United Church of Woodhull, 150 W 3rd Ave., Woodhull, IL. Rev. Cheyanna Losey will officiate. Cremation will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Kreider Services (a non-profit charitable organization providing direct care programs to people with developmental disabilities).

Arrangements and assistance have been provided by Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel (Peoria, IL) and Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home (Knoxville, IL). On-line condolences may be made at www.davison-fulton.com.