Jerry Wayne Pruett, Sr., departed this life peacefully on March 3, 2026, at Advent Health Shawnee Mission. He was born on June 15, 1939, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Wilmer H. Pruett and Violet (Ofstad) Pruett.
A devoted husband and father, Jerry married Joyce (Robbins) Pruett on February 5, 1967, at the Cummings Christian Church. Together, they shared fifty-nine years of marriage and built a loving family. He is survived by their children: Jay Pruett; Ra’Chel Seever and her husband, Brian; Dr. Amanda Pruett and her husband, Brian Arnoets; Noah Pruett; and Bethany Pruett. Jerry’s legacy also lives on through his nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom he adored deeply.
He is also survived by his brothers, Larry Pruett and his wife, Ella, and Galen Pruett and his wife, Sharon; his sister, Soni Moranz and her husband, Rick; his sister-in-law, Louise Pruett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jerry devoted more than 40 years to his work as a truck driver and was known for his exceptional skill and dedication. Over the years, he drove for Tate Oil, Ferrellgas, Midwest Solvents, and ultimately Swift Transportation, where he completed his career at the age of 70. His commitment to safety earned him the prestigious Million Mile Safety Award, reflecting his professionalism and pride in his work.
Beyond his career, Jerry was an avid sports fan who faithfully supported the Jayhawk basketball team, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas City Royals, and KSU football. He loved sharing games and conversations about sports with family and friends, creating many lasting memories.
Jerry also held dear the memories of attending hundreds of tractor pulls with his brother, nephew, and sons. He treasured time with his grandchildren and found simple joy in mowing his lawn—an activity he considered peaceful and fulfilling.
A proud graduate of Atchison High School, Class of 1957, Jerry served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Cold War. He spent two years in Germany as part of the 26th Infantry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer Henry Pruett and Violet (Ofstad) Pruett; his beloved daughter, Kim Clem; and his siblings, Bill Pruett, Don Pruett, Henry Pruett, and Aileen Pruett.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Jerry will be laid to rest at Cummings Cemetery. Memorials may be left to the Cummings Christian Church, in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, whom service care has been entrusted.
