After a fight with pancreatic cancer, Arnold Roy "Arnie" Prosser went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday January 11, 2019 at the age of 82. Arnie was born on Sunday April 5, 1936 to Milford and Marguerite Alt Prosser in Davenport, Iowa and moved to Cedar Rapids when he was nine. In high school, Arnie loved both sports and music. He lettered in several varsity sports and was considered an outstanding trumpet player. He was particularly proud of being a member of a drum and bugle corps that once marched in Soldier Field in Chicago. As a senior at McKinley High School, Arnie met Sheryl Edwards, a sophomore, with whom he would share the rest of his life. After graduating from McKinley as Salutatorian in 1954, he went on to the University of Iowa, where he earned a Cum Laude BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1958, followed by a MS in Electrical Engineering in 1967. He also earned a Master's in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1980 and passed the CPA exam. Arnie was also as ROTC graduate and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. After 9 years in the Reserves as a Combat Engineer, he retired as Captain.
After college, he began employment with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, eventually transferring to their branch in Richardson, Texas. Soon after, he went to work for Texas Instruments, where he would spend the majority of his career working on government projects. One of his most important projects, the HARM Missile, is used to this day to keep members of our Armed Forces safe overseas. Later, his division was sold to Raytheon, where he retired at the age of 65.
Arnie and Sheryl were married in 1959 and went on to have three children, John, Eric and Brian. They also have two grandchildren, Chris and Taylor. Arnie's family was extremely important to him and he and Sheryl enjoyed attending their children's and grandchildren's events, whether it was music, athletics, scouting, school plays or academic events. His kids fondly remember all the time their dad spent building things with them, whether it was Derby Days cars, car engines, or just generally repairing things around the house. Upon retirement, Arnie enjoyed recreational golf with his church group, and he and Sheryl especially enjoyed the many overseas excursions taken with close friends to see the sights of the world. Arnie's faith was also a very important part of his life. He was an active member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Richardson since 1969 and participated in many activities including yard work, ushering and serving on the church council as the financial secretary. Eight years after retirement, he launched a 2nd career as co-owner of two Papa Murphy's Pizza stores with Sheryl and Eric.
Arnie was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Marguerite Prosser, his brother Richard Prosser and half-brother Eugene Warner. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Sheryl, sons John, Eric, Brian and grandchildren Chris and Taylor. Because of his faith in Jesus Christ, Arnie felt blessed with his great family, church community and the promise of Eternal Life as a Child of God.
Memorial may be made to the NETWORK of Community Ministries, 741 South Sherman Street Richardson, Texas 75081, St. Luke's Church music fund or the charity of your choice.
Service will be on Friday February 1, 2019 at 2 pm at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church on 1210 West Beltline Road in Richardson, Texas. Officiated by Pastor Linda Little.
