Richard Bruce Propst

Mr. Propst was born on March 15, 1924 in Franklin, WV. He was the fifth out of six children born to Jacob Addison and Mahulda Lillian Propst. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1942 as an honor student, receiving the Golden Horseshoe Award from the state of West Virginia. He enlisted in the U. S. Army after high school and served during WW II. He served in New Guinea in 1944 and also in the Philippines. He also served 2 years in Japan. He attained the rank of Staff Sgt.

A brother, Vernon Z. Propst was captured in the Battle of Guadalcanal and survived the Bataan Death March. He later died in a Japanese prison camp.

On Sept. 2, 1948 he married Juanita Bishop of Bridgewater, who survives. He is also survived by three children, Marilynn Jarrells of Timberville, Karen McGrath and husband Mike of Strasburg and Terry Propst of Harrisonburg; two grandchildren, Jon Jarrells of Harrisonburg and Marissa McGrath of Strasburg; three great-grandchildren, Bryce, Bryana and Baylee of Dayton and their mother, Beth Jarrells; one brother, Irvin Propst and wife, Alda of Brandywine, VA; two nieces, Angela Propst and Loretta Crider; two nephews, Ronald Brown who was raised in the Propst home and Stephen Rexrode.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Hedrick and Myrtle Rexrode and two brothers, Woodrow Propst and Vernon Propst.

He was an active member of Muhlenberg Lutheran Church for 50 years where he had served on a number of committees, was a youth advisor along with his wife and also sang in the “early” choir for a number of years.

He was an avid sports fan and attended all local games.

Early in his work career, he managed the cake shop for Southern Bakery for 15 years but retired from the Harrisonburg Post Office after 20 years of service.

He was a hard worker and always provided well for his family. He dearly loved his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Dad-Dad.”

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Tuesday evening, Nov. 6, 2012 in the Gathering Area at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 Wednesday morning, Nov. 7, 2012 at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church with Pastor Bob Humphrey and Pastor Brett Davis officiating. Interment will be in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent to the Propst family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com