Robert Prueter

1st Sergeant Robert Prueter, a man whose life was as full as a poker hand straight flush, bid us his final "goodbye" on September 11, 2023, in Dothan, AL. Born on October 4, 1949, Robert, known for his quick wit and infectious laughter, lived life like he played poker - with courage, humor, and a cold beer by his side.

A man of many talents and interests, Robert was the proud owner of Village Inn in Newton, where he charmed his patrons with his signature humor and hospitality. His career was as diverse as the 73beer selection in his bar, including a 24-year stretch in the United States Army, where he served with valor in Vietnam and Desert Storm. After retiring, he sold cars for 17 years, proving that you can take the man out of the sales game, but you can't take the sales game out of the man.

In his off time, Robert was a grill master extraordinaire, a poker shark, and a certified beer connoisseur. But those who knew him well understood that his greatest passion was his family and his dogs. His love for them was as vast as the Sahara Desert he once trod in Desert Storm, and as deep as the finest pint of ale.

Robert is survived by a family who loved him dearly: his son, Robert Prueter, Jr. and Tracey Ann Walker, and his grandchild, Rylee Dalton Prueter. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Michael and Leigh Wood, Katelyn and Andrew Dean, Grayson Johnson, Jesse Bucholtz, Jr., Daniel Sutton, Jessica and Mike Leman, Christian Leman, Larry "LJ" Douglas, Andrew and Raysa Sutton, Melinda and Rick Mertz, Dalton Mertz, Dennis and Shannon Sutton, Ryan Sutton, Katlin Sutton, Jesse Bucholtz, Jr., Riley Bucholtz, and Madison Bucholtz; sister in laws, Rosa Sutton, Debbie and James Sutton and Fenisha and Lawrence Ashberry and his special friends, Keith Phillips and Vee, Glen and Lee Flumer, Shonda and Randy Malone, Bill Furver, Lonney Higginbottom, Kelly Obermiller, Sherry Schwab, Karen and Chris Vanloon, Richard and Mary Dubose, Bill and Debbie Pruett, Don Rice, Mike Strohl, Karen McCallister Stephens, Donna Coy, Lynn Manning, Ted Simmons, Lana Hubbard, and John Dunn.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Shelia Prueter, who we're sure was waiting for him with a cold beer on the other side. Also preceding him were his nephew, Chris Bucholtz; brother in laws, Wayne Sutton and Larry Sutton, and his mother-in-law, Virginia Damron.

Robert was a man who wore many hats in his lifetime: soldier, businessman, car salesman, poker enthusiast, grill master, beer aficionado, but most importantly, a loving father, grandfather, and friend. His kind spirit, courage, and humor will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in the Sunset Memorial Park Chapel at 2pm. Military honors to follow. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.