Gene Pruitt, 75, of Emporia died Thursday at Life Care Center of Burlington. He was born May 18, 1937, in Moundridge to Verle Pruitt and Agnes Delphon Pruitt Goodwin.

He was a longtime football coach and teacher, working at Herington High School from 1975 to 1981.

He married Karen Slater on June 3, 1956. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Donnie and Jerry.

He is survived by two sons, Steve of Wichita and Craig of Round Rock, Texas; one daughter, Penny Fleming of Waverly; and six grandchildren.

All services will be held at First Christian Church of Emporia, with visitation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday.

A memorial fund has been established for Northern Heights High School football program.