Kenneth "Digger" Pritchett

Kenneth “Digger” Pritchett, 88, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on January 4th, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois. Digger was born February 27th, 1936, to Jess and Anna (nee Sitzmann) Pritchett in Petersburg. He served in the United States Army. He married Betty Heflin in 1961 at Central Presbyterian Church in Petersburg and were married until she passed away in 1996. They raised two boys and fostered another in Petersburg and that, along with his future grandchildren, helped Digger to acquire a deep love for the PORTA sports. He was best known for his love of watching any school sport, especially those his children and grandchildren were playing, forever being their biggest fan. He had an undying love for the Chicago Cubs, despite their many “off” seasons. Digger was a long-time member of St. Paul Evangelical Free Church; as well as the Local 16 Carpenters Union and the Teamsters. He was a carpenter for all his life and saw purpose in everything to use in his projects. Digger is survived by his sons, George (Lori) Pritchett of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Kevin (Jill) Guinan of Springfield, Illinois; a daughter-in-law, Catherine (Charlie) Farwell of Rushville, Illinois; his grandchildren, Tyler Pritchett, Jenny Pritchett, Josh (Ambree) Pritchett, Ben (Amanda) Pritchett, Michael Guinan, and Alex Guinan; two great-grandchildren, Allison Pritchett, and Ayla Pritchett; his sister, Shirley Greene of Hendersonville, Tennessee; his brother, Larry (Diane) Pritchett of Henderson, Nevada, and numerous nieces and nephews. Digger always had and always will have a special love for his family until the end of time. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Pritchett, and a son, Charlie Pritchett. Digger’s son would like to thank his friends and family for all of their companionship throughout the years. A Visitation will be held Thursday, January 9th, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home, 122 W. Douglas, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. A Funeral Service will be the following day, Friday, January 10th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Free Church, 209 W. Douglas, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Digger will be laid to rest with his wife and son at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Digger’s memory to either the PORTA Athletic Dept, 17651 Bluejay Rd, Petersburg, Illinois 62675 or to St. Paul Evangelical Free Church, 209 W. Douglas, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kenneth "Digger" Pritchett

February 27, 1936 - January 4, 2025

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