Louis E. Pruitt

Died peacefully Sunday, February 8, 2009 at Franciscan Villa in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the age of 85. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Doris (Michels) Pruitt. Mr. Pruitt was born August 18, 1923, in Scottsville, Kentucky, the son of the late Hershel and Nellie (Tabor) Pruitt. He graduated in 1942 from Allen County High School, where he was known for his prowess on the basketball court. Mr. Pruitt served his country in World War II by enlisting in the United States Navy in March, 1943, and ultimately was attached to a Naval Advance Base Unit on Leyte in the Philippines. Eight days after his release from the Navy in 1946, he married Doris, whom he had dated while stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station. The couple settled in West Allis, Wisconsin, where Mr. Pruitt worked for over 35 years at Allis Chalmers. Louis especially enjoyed working for the West Allis – West Milwaukee Recreation Department after retirement. He loved gardening, sports of all kinds, and spending time with his family. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of West Allis. Survivors include five sons and one daughter, Gary (Kathy) of Plymouth, Patricia Moss (Robert) of Caledonia, Randall (Rose) of Lynchburg, Virginia, Douglas (Jeanine) of West Allis, Timothy (Diane) of Racine, and James (Mary Beth) of Racine; twelve grandchildren, Nathan (Becky), Amy (Bryan), Christopher (Louisa), Hannah, Collin, Christine, Tracy, Lauren, Jacqueline, Benjamin, Abby, and Samantha; five great grandchildren; one brother, William (Barbara) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and one sister, Dora Dean Steenbergen (John) of Scottsville, Kentucky; and many other dear relatives and friends. Mr. Pruitt was preceded in death by his four brothers, Robert Jewell, Andrew Weldon, Artie B., Herman Deward; and two sisters, Carrie Fletcher Tidd and Eula Gladys Keene. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 12:00 noon at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 W. National Ave., New Berlin, Wisconsin, with Rev. Rose Pruitt officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church West Allis, the Alzheimer's Association, or the charity of your choice.