Thomas M. Pruitte Sr., 78, of Hillsboro died May 4, 2016, at his home. Mr. Pruitte was a heavy equipment operator and a member of Operating Engineers Local 513. Born July 1, 1937, in Steele, he was the son of the late Roy Pruitte and Etheline (Head) McDonald.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Earline (Govro) Pruitte, whom he married Nov. 6, 1954; seven children: Penny Lee (Bill) North of Bonne Terre, Dennis Pruitte of Tallahasse, Fla., Londa (Danny) Meyers of De Soto, Gene (Debbie) Pruitte of Eureka, Guy Pruitte of De Soto, Thomas Pruitte Jr. of Desloge and Lonnie (Angie) Keys of De Soto; two half sisters: Darla Helfrich of Manchester and Rhonda Hickson of Pevely; 15 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law: Jane Pruitte; and three siblings: Kenneth Pruitte, Ronald Pruitte and Marsha Campbell.
Visitation is scheduled at 1 p.m. and a funeral service at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto, officiated by Ron Gasaway. Arrangements were under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.