Richard Proper Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Richard H. “Dick” Proper passed away on December the 2nd at the Whipple Veterans Hospital at the age of 85. A long time Prescott resident, Dick was born in Erie, PA on Oct 14th, 1926, the son of Henry Ward and Martha Manning Proper. He served in the US 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, Veteran’s 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 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 held Wed Dec 7th at the Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 W. Gurley St., at 11:00 am, followed by graveside services at the Odd Fellow’s cemetery and a reception at the American Legion Hall. 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.

Richard Proper

October 14, 1926 - December 2, 2011