Gary Pratt

Gary Lee Pratt, 88 of Lewistown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 11, 1936 at Bloomington, IL; the son of Paul Edward and Beth (Graham) Pratt. Gary spent his early childhood in Armington and Lewistown, IL. He lived in Walkerton, Indiana for a time and then returned to Lewistown as a junior at LCHS where he met Verlena Tompkins, his high school sweetheart. They graduated in 1954 and were married May 8, 1955. Gary and Lou just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in May.

Gary proudly served in the US Army and then in time moved into a partnership with his father in the Trackless Train Shuttle business which transported people around the Illinois State Fair grounds in Springfield, IL. They also worked at fairs in Duquoin, IL; Minneapolis, MN, Knoxville and Memphis, TN; and Raleigh, NC. This was a very stressful business working 16 hours a day and hectic travel schedules with a caravan of trucks and heavy equipment all in the summer heat but after years it allowed Gary and Lou to purchase the local Lewistown furniture store around 1965. Gary and Lou became owners and operators of Pratt Furniture Store and through the years have expanded to larger buildings and are now located at their new facility on Route 24 in Lewistown. Pratt Furniture has served 6 counties around Lewistown for 60 years. Gary let everyone know that retirement was not in his plans. He enjoyed being around the hustle and bustle of daily business and loved visiting with customers and friends.

Gary was known for his gift of witt and humor and his ability to talk to anyone. He certainly never knew a stranger. He loved to tell a good joke and loved to hear a good joke. He would make light of himself if it would get a good laugh whether it be a family gathering, a class reunion, or a day at the furniture store. He always enjoyed reminiscing.

Gary’s family meant the world to him. He took the time to be a great Dad and always stayed involved in Tara and Lee’s lives. The family always had supper together at the Kitchen Table and dad would ask “what happened today kids”. A truly wonderful Father and Husband.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Verlena “Lou” Pratt, their children Tara (Ron) Ward of Lewistown, and Lee (Leslie) Pratt of Texas, along with grandchildren Kodi (Cory) Marshall of Lewistown, Katie (Dustin) Carlisle of Quincy, and Meredith Pratt of Texas, and a great granddaughter, Aaliyah Ella Beth, and a sister, Prudy Stump of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Eddie Pratt, and one sister, Joanie Pratt Collins.

A celebration of life will be held on August 2, 2025 from 12-4pm at the Native Trails Winery in Lewistown. Gary’s family invites family and friends to gather for a picnic style meal. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Childrens Hospital or St. Jude. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com