Monte E Pryor

Monte Eugene Pryor, born on February 28, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, passed away on July 8, 2026, in Prairie City, Illinois. He was the cherished son of the late Maurice Eugene Pryor and June Marjean (Anderson) Merritt.

A proud 1960 graduate of Augusta High School in Augusta, Illinois, Monte answered the call to serve his country shortly after graduation by enlisting in the United States Navy. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 21-year military career. After completing boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended Yeoman “A” School in Bainbridge, Maryland. While stationed in Guam, Monte began working in cryptology, a specialized field he remained dedicated to for the rest of his naval career. His exceptional service and leadership led to his advancement to Chief Warrant Officer in 1972. In 1977, he transitioned to Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG), ultimately retiring with honor on July 1, 1981, at the rank of Lieutenant. His legacy of military service has continued through his children and grandchildren.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Monte brought his dedication and strong work ethic to the civilian sector, working in various management and sales capacities before officially retiring in 2007.

Monte came to his Christian faith later in life, but his spiritual growth was profound. Though not a man of large physical stature, he was monumental in character. His love for the Lord was evident in his daily walk, and his actions were always motivated by love. He was, and continues to be, the rock upon which his family depends—a steadfast guide who has now taken his place among the great cloud of witnesses.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa; his children, Craig (Lesli) Pryor of Winchester, VA, Camela (Jamison) Luke of Macomb, IL, Sherry (Kyle) Pico of Avon, IL, James (Jenni) McCool of La Crescent, MN, and Maggie (Stuart) McDonald of Birmingham, UK. He also leaves behind his devoted sisters, Sharon (Ken) Rauch of Colchester, IL, and Jessie (Lynn) Coltrin of Boise, ID. Monte's legacy of love will live on through his thirteen beloved grandchildren: Jillian, Jackson, Cade, Jenna, Jason, Griffin, Joshua, Zachary, Elias, Harriett, Tristen, Corbin, and Emerson; his three precious great-grandchildren: James, Dove, and Josephine; and his beloved puppy, Sophie.

Monte was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Eugene Pryor; his mother, June Marjean Merritt; his stepfather, Russell Merritt; and his stepbrother, Steven.

A memorial service to celebrate Monte's life will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Bushnell, Illinois. Interment will take place at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Monte’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or The Gideons International.