Final Salute

RIZONA CITY, Ariz. – Duane Pruett, 79, of Mahomet and Arizona City, Ariz., died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Arizona.

There will be a visitation on Monday, Oct. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Blair-Owens Funeral Home, 102 E. Dunbar St., Mahomet. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Shiloh Cemetery, Mahomet, and military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 1015.

Duane was born on Feb. 7, 1945, in Champaign, the only child of Harold Pruett and Sarah “Betty” (nee Allison) Pruett. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy and was a proud Seabee from 1962-1969, earning a Purple Heart for being injured in the line of duty. Upon discharge, he worked as a mechanic on the railroad for 25 years. In his retirement, Duane was active in local veterans organizations, including serving on the color guard and at his church, Shiloh United Methodist.

He married Carol Cruzan, and together they raised their four children. She preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 2016. Duane married Lanet Hinton in 2017, and they have been enjoying life together as snowbirds in Arizona.

Duane is survived by his wife, Lanet; four children, Jim and John, both of Mahomet, Mary Beth (Rick) Liggett of Champaign and Joe (Dawn) of Leroy; four stepchildren, Yvonne (Doug) Johnson of Arizona, Denise (Chris) Britt of Florida, Trelina (Russ) Anderson of Maryland and Michael Gonzalez of Arizona; three grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Tommy, in 2017.

Duane was an outdoorsman, and as such, he enjoyed camping, shooting and hunting. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Condolences may be offered at owensfuneralhomes.com.