John L. Prueitt

1915 - 2007

John Leon Prueitt was born October 16, 1915 in Douglas County, Missouri to William and Clara (Denny) Prueitt, one of 10 children. The family moved to California in 1925 and settled in Lindsay where John graduated from high school. John attended Porterville Junior College and then graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Education and a minor in Social Science. In 1940 John began his teaching career in Wasco with a 5th-6th-7th grade class in the elementary school. John married Virginia Gibbs in 1941. World War II interrupted his teaching and John served with an Army anti-aircraft detachment in Europe. By the time he returned to Wasco in 1946, John Jr. had been born. Two daughters, Jane and Julieanne completed the family. John continued his education taking summer sessions at University of Southern California and earning his Masters Degree in Administration. The family lost Virginia, in 1966, after a long illness. In 1967, John married Helen Permenter. From his classroom teaching, John went on to become Assistant Superintendent of the Wasco Elementary Schools from 1946 through 1952. At this time he was promoted to Superintendent and held this job for twenty-five years, retiring in 1977. For his many contributions during these years to the school district and the community, it was only befitting the new elementary school dedicated December 19, 1991, be named the John Prueitt School. John was active in county, state and national associations for school administration until retirement, including CTA, local Past President, Phi Delta Kappa, CESAA, Past President in Kern County, California Association of School Administrators, legislative committee, NEA life member and American Association of School Administrators. After retirement John served as a member of the Kern County Board of Education for 17 years. John was also active in many community organizations including Wasco Masonic Lodge, Past Master, Exchange Club, Past President and VFW, Past Commander, Wasco Recreation District, Wasco Public Utility District, North West Kern County Boy Scout Council, Wasco Scholarship Association and Wasco Historical Society. He and Helen were also honored as Grand Marshalls at the Wasco Rose Festival. John is preceded in death by both parents; 9 siblings; first wife, Virginia Gibbs; and wife, Helen Permenter, who died in 2001. He is survived by his children, John Jr. of Seattle, Jane St. John of Playa Del Rey, Julie Porter of Fowler, Ned Permenter of Bakersfield, Dick Permenter of MiWuk Village, and Nancy Masich of Fresno; nine grandchildren, Debbie, Allison, Caitlin, Allen, David, Dax, Mark, Kim and Scott; five great-grandchildren; and dear companion, Juanita Peterson. A graveside service under the direction of Peters Funeral Home will be held Saturday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m., at the Wasco Memorial Park. Pastor Mike Bradley of Grace Community Church will officiate. Please sign John's guest book at www.GoldenValleyMemorialCare.com John L. Prueitt Oct. 16, 1915 - Sept. 15, 2007 Peters Funeral Home-Wasco