Earl L. Proctor

Visitation will be at 12 p.m. on March 27, at Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m.

He was born on April 6, 1918 to Nell Johnson and Leslie Thurman Proctor in Boone County.

Before high school years, the family moved from Bass Ave to a farm on the edge of town near north Garth and Highway 40 where the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center was located for many years. Earl attended Hickman High School. He was proud to have been a member of the class of 1936 and to have played on the Kewpie football team.

At the University of Missouri, he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and an avid Tiger fan. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration in 1940 and then received a commission as Second Lieutenant Field Artillery from R.O.T.C. Called to active duty in World War II, First Lieutenant Proctor commanded the first platoon of Company A in the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion landing on Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day June 6, 1944. On or near the front line for 337 consecutive days, his battalion participated in all five battle campaigns in Europe. He was awarded several medals including the Silver Star in April 1945 when Proctor’s platoon spear-headed the final drive of Patton’s Third army across Germany. They proudly received a Commendation from the 66th Infantry Commander.

Returning to civilian life in the fall of 1945, he joined his dad and brother in business. They built and operated motels in Columbia, Macon, and Fulton as well as developed the Parkade subdivision. On New Year’s Eve 1945, he met Helen Tallen. They were married on June 30, 1946 at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Columbia. He often said this was the best decision he had ever made.

Eager to give back to his country and local community, Earl served in a variety of leadership positions. He was elected Commander of Post 280 Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1946, the first Commander from WWII. In 1947, he was chairman of the Boone County USO drive, and was selected by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce to reactivate Battery B, 128th Field Artillery, Missouri National Guard as Captain Field Artillery. Also, he was invited to join the Columbia Rotary club. He served ten years 1961 to 1971 on the Selective Service Board, the first five as chairman. In the mid 1950’s, he was President of the Columbia Tiger Quarterback Club. For five years in the 1960’s, he was President of the Sigma Nu House Corporation, Rho Chapter. During this period, an addition to the house was completed. He concluded twelve years (1519 hours) of volunteer service at the Truman Veterans Memorial Hospital in 1991.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Tallen Proctor of Columbia; daughter, Sandy Proctor Osborn; and granddaughter, Melissa Proctor Osborn, M.D. of Houston; and sister, Phyllis Sue Bunge of Jacksonville, Fla.

A true gentleman, his sense of humor made every day fun. He demonstrated total commitment to family and treasured his friendships. His family feels blessed to have enjoyed the pleasure of his company for so many wonderful years.

Memorials are suggested to Central Missouri Honor Flight and DAV, Disabled American Veterans.