Obituary: Richard H. "Dick" Proper

Mr. Proper

Mr. Proper

Richard H. "Dick" Proper passed away on Dec. 2, 2011, at the Whipple Veterans Hospital at the age of 85. A long time Prescott resident, Dick was born in Erie, Pa., on Oct. 14, 1926, the son of Henry Ward and Martha Manning Proper.

He served in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet during WWII on Patrol Craft 484. Dick and his wife Leona moved to Prescott in 1951 where he worked for the Department of Economic Security for 30 years. They raised three boys, Rod, Jeff and Andy, who all graduated from Prescott High School. The entire family was active in Prescott-area 4-H clubs and Arizona Junior Rodeo Association rodeos. Dick was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Sons of the American Revolution. He served in several leadership positions in all three organizations, including serving as Commander of the Ernest Love Post 6 of the American Legion in 1974-75 and the Northern Arizona District 8 Commander. He was the founding President of the Prescott Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. During his lifetime Dick was an active participant in thoroughbred horse racing at Prescott Downs, where he was the owner of several race horses. A small boat sailor and glider enthusiast, Dick could be seen on local area lakes and in the skies over Prescott Valley.

Dick is survived by his wife Leona; brother Lee; three sons Rod, Jeff and Andy; six grandchildren Leonie, Reuben, Chris, Jenny, Henry and Maddye; and six great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, at the Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W. Gurley St., at 11 a.m., followed by services at the Odd Fellow's cemetery and a reception at the American Legion Post No. 6.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Legion/Auxiliary, 202 S. Pleasant St., Prescott, AZ 86303 or the People Who Care, P.O. Box 12977, Prescott, AZ 86304.

Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.


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