Harry Aubrey Pruett

March 3, 1926 – March 6, 2017

With heavy hearts, we are saddened to announce that Harry A. Pruett passed away peacefully just after his 91st birthday surrounded by his loving family on March 6, 2017, in Moses Lake, Wash. Harry was born March 3, 1926 to William and Bettie Pruett in Harman, Okla. He shared a full life of 52 years with his wife, Evelyn. They have resided in Moses Lake, for 48 years, building up a strong network of friends who are a great support group.

Drafted into the Army in June 1944, he graduated basic training from D Battery at Camp Roberts, Calif. He was trained as an automotive mechanic inspecting, maintaining, and repairing vehicles, tanks, tank destroyers and other full track vehicles. SSG Pruett was assigned to A Battery, 222nd Field Artillery Battalion under the Asiatic-Pacific Theater from 1944–46, until honorably discharged.

In his early years, he was a farm manager in Idaho and Washington state. He worked as a lead maintenance mechanic for a food service company in Moses Lake, Wash. until he retired. After his retirement, he enjoyed small engine repair. During his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling around the country visiting family and friends until his passing. His greatest loves were hunting, fishing and camping with his family. One of his most pleasurable events every year was during the holiday season when he was surrounded by his family for great holiday feasts and cherished the opportunity to share his stories. His stories captivated the grandchildren with every detail allowing them to be able to pass them on to their children.

Harry is preceded in death by his first wife Gladys, four brothers, two sisters, one son Harry Thomas Pruett and three grandsons Stacey Pruett, Jared Valentine and Nicholas Pruett. Harry is survived by his wife Evelyn; two sisters Lorena “Dinky” Yateman and Bettie (Chet) Johnson; five children Beverley “Joey” Busey, Ron (Sherrie) Pruett, Janet (Russ) Dean, Carl Pruett and Charlotte (Greg) Snyder; 11 grandchildren Brett, Karen, Torey, Jason, Aaron, Kyle, Nicole, Tiffany, Breanna, Preston and Taylor; 20 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the health care professionals who cared for Harry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Assured Hospice, 1417 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

The family will attend graveside services in St. John, Kan.