Donald A. Pruitt

Donald Allen Pruitt was born on June 13, 1930 to Harold Joseph and Lois Plymire Pruitt on a farmstead south of Beloit, Kansas near the #87 school. He died on July 18, 2010 at the Residential Care Center in Beloit, Kansas. Donald was a farmer/stockman for over 60 years living across the road from his great grandfather's Samuel's original homestead. He met the love of his life Barbara Street in high school and they were married on May 27, 1951 recently celebrating their 59th anniversary. To this union, four children were born: Belinda, David, Daniel, and Dennis.
He was a member of the Beloit Presbyterian Church serving as Elder and Deacon. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Kansas in 1965 by the United States Jaycees, traveling to Birmingham, Alabama for the National Competition. He received the Soil Conservation Award in 1954 with his father for some of the early terrace work that was done in the county and again in 1974. He served several years on the Saltville Township Board and was trustee of the Saltville Cemetery Board. Donald was on the Board of Directors and a charter member of the Solomon Valley Feedlot. He was a member of the Beloit Country Club. Don had been a friend of Bill W's for over 35 years.
Don was committed to good land stewardship as noted by his awards. Horses were always a part of Don's life. He enjoyed working with all animals and he assisted his children with their 4-H projects showing lambs, pigs, horses, and cattle. He was proud of all his children and grandchildren and took great joy in following all their activities especially their sports activities. He took an interest in many young people in the community following their sports accomplishments. He and Barb enjoyed traveling, playing cards, family dinners and church activities.
Donald was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Pauline Marian, brother Joseph Edward, and son Dennis Joseph. He is survived by his wife Barbara, of the home, daughter Belinda Childs (Richard) of Wichita, and sons David (Kasey), Dan (Tamara), grandchildren Christopher (Tara) Pruitt, Katie (Adam) Cheney, Nicole (Michael) McLain, Bradley Pruitt, Jeff Pruitt, all of Beloit, Brandon and Allison Childs of Wichita and Mary Wethington (Joseph) Lexington, KY. There are four great grandchildren, Bently Pruitt, Shea Larson, Reagan Cheney, and Owen McLain. A sister, Patricia (Darrell) Dierks of Cottonwood, AZ as well as eight nieces and nephews and several cousins also survives.

Joint funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 22 at McDonald Funeral Home followed by burial in Saltville Cemetery near Beloit. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Beloit Presbyterian Church, Solomon Valley Hospice, or the Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation.