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BORN
1941
DIED
2026
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Gerald Pruitt Obituary
Paxton - Gerald Pruitt, 84, of Paxton passed away Thursday (Jan. 1, 2026) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
He was born on May 4, 1941, in Homer, the son of William Henry and Mittie (Hillard) Pruitt. Gerald married Janet Sue Ayers on Jan. 26, 1964, in Ogden.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Pruitt of Paxton; two children, Vicky Reetz of Milford and David Pruitt (Tammy Milburn) of Loda; two grandchildren, Ashton Pruitt and Lacey Pruitt, both of Paxton; and a great-granddaughter, Peyton Pruitt of Paxton. He is also survived by his favorite sister-in-law, Orlena Pruitt of Homer; daughter-in-law, Sheila Pruitt of Paxton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; father- and mother-in-law, Herschel and Margaret Ray; 11 siblings, Marie Stonum, Hattie Larkin, Francis Pruitt, Jim Pruitt, Frank Pruitt, Garner Pruitt, Lonnie Pruitt, Hester Raymer, Lester Pruitt, Ray Pruitt and Ronnie Pruitt; and his son-in-law, Michael Reetz.
Gerald was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving for three years. He was a proud lifetime member of IUOE Local 841 Operating Engineers Union and was awarded 50 years of membership in 2024.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Gerald's family. Please sign his guest book at coxknapp.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Pruitt
1 Entry
doug Elliott
January 6, 2026
So sorry to hear about his death
Use to eat breakfast with him @ country house all the time we had a good talks
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Funeral services provided by:
Cox-Knapp Funeral Home - Paxton142 West Patton Street, Paxton, IL 60957
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