Lonnie Beryl Pruitt, 81, of Hutchinson, was carried from this life into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday, July 7, 2023, at his home, surrounded by family and friends that cared for and loved him dearly. He will be truly missed.

Lonnie's favorite verse was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." and his favorite song was, "I'm a Child of the King."

Lonnie was born October 20, 1941, in Bartley, WV, to Fred and Ruby (Riffe) Pruett. He lived a full and happy life of almost 82 years.

Lonnie married the love of his life, Easter Lowery, on September 11, 1963, in Grundy, VA.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 33 years. Lonnie retired in Colorado Springs, CO, where he worked as Director of Food Services at the U.S. Olympic Training Center for 25 years, until he could no longer work due to health.

Lonnie was first and foremost, a Christian. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. Lonnie loved to laugh, loved to tell jokes, and any practical jokes to be played on someone - he was in on it. Lonnie loved his family, to hike and play ball, and to serve others. If there was a need he could meet, you could count on him doing it. Lonnie loved to go to church. He was the most consistent, even-tempered man you could ever meet. Lonnie never had anything negative to say and always saw the good in people. To sum it all up, he was the best husband, daddy, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friend a person could have.

Lonnie was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Ray and Eldon; and son, Scott.

Survivors include: his wife of almost 60 years, Easter Pruitt of Hutchinson; son, Tony and Genia Pruitt of Colorado Springs; daughter, Teresa and Richard Haley of Hutchinson; son, Kevin and  Sheena Pruitt of Colorado Springs; grandchildren; Arthur Pruitt of Alaska, Sarah and Doug Williamson of Skagway, AK, Hannah Pruitt of Colorado Springs, Alyssa and Chad Duncan of Colorado Springs, Nikki Pruitt of Colorado Springs, Zachary Pruitt of Colorado Springs, Melodie Pruitt of Colorado Springs; Audrey and Roy Chamberlain, Richard Haley Jr. and Sarah of Wichita,  Mitchell and Blake Haley of Longview, TX; Trevor and Modesty Haley of Hutchinson; Blaire and Aspen Pruitt of Colorado Springs; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce and Jerry Cooper of Virginia; brother, Grant and Melva Pruett of North Carolina, brother, Arnold and Sandy Pruett of North Carolina; brother, Thearn and Judy Pruett of North Carolina, brother, Ernest and Kim Pruett of North Carolina, brother, Harold and Diane Pruett of West Virginia, brother, Merle and Darlene Pruett of West Virginia; uncle, James Pruett of Indiana; sister-in-law, Karen Pruett of Indiana; aunt, Lucy and Paul Stacy of Ohio.

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 pm daily at Elliott Mortuary. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023, at Riverside Baptist Church, 1100 W 21st Ave., Hutchinson. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the church.

There will also be a funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, at Grace Baptist Church, 3500 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, in Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Rd., Colorado Springs, with military honors conducted by High Frontier Honor Guard, Peterson SFB.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.