Thomas D. "Sonny" Pratt's Obituary
Thomas Durelle “Sonny” Pratt, 81, of Dupo, Illinois, was born April 19, 1944, in Gilroy, California, and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his residence, with his daughters by his side. Sonny was born in California and lived in Arkansas prior to moving to Dupo during his freshman year of high school. A typical shy teenager, he quickly found a home within the community. Throughout high school, Sonny embraced every opportunity, participating in football, baseball, basketball, track, cross country, band, and the National Honor Society. His hard work and athletic ability earned him a football scholarship to the University of Colorado in Boulder. He was honored to serve as President of the Class of 1962. Many of his classmates remained among his most faithful friends for over sixty years. After college, Sonny enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably and rising to the rank of E5. Upon returning home, he continued his lifelong commitment to service and education. He coached little league football and contributed to his community through roles with the Dupo Police Department, the Dupo School Board, and the Board of Belleville Area College. In recognition of his dedication and lasting impact—including helping introduce the first computers at Dupo High School—he was inducted into the Dupo Walk of Honor in 2008. Sonny devoted 43 years of his professional life to Missouri Pacific and later Union Pacific Railroad, retiring as a Locomotive Engineer in 2011. The railroad community was a defining part of his life, and the friendships he built along the way remained among his most enduring and cherished. He took immense pride in owning and operating his Taco John’s restaurants in Sikeston and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The work itself mattered to him, but it was the people who truly filled him with joy. Sonny loved every part of the restaurant world – from mentoring employees and serving loyal customers to collaborating with colleagues and executives who shared his passion. His kindness, leadership and genuine care left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. When he wasn’t working, Sonny enjoyed restoring his Corvettes, remodeling houses, golfing with his buddies, and fishing with his family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Kendra (Michael) Koonce and Tracy(Steve) Diel; his grandchildren, Taylor Koonce, Mallory (Daniel) Riefle, Micayla Koonce, Brayden Koonce, Bryce Koonce, Declan Diel, and Lily Diel; Karen Pratt, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage; and his stepbrother, Lawrence “Billy” (Rene) Cox. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Michelle Pratt; his parents, Jesse and Mary Eva (née Maynard) Pratt; William and Monietta Cox; Gustie (née Maynard) and Joe Prevoe; and his mother‑in‑law and father‑in‑law, Florine and John Trodus in addition to other friends and family. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all those close, personal friends for their love, friendship, support, and care that meant so much to Sonny. Visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, from 3:00 pm to7:00 pm at Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo, Illinois. Services will follow on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:30 am at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Illinois, where he will be laid to rest beside his daughter. For those wishing to make donations, please consider BJC Hospice or the Wounded Warrior Project.
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