Lionel Lawrence Prokop

1949 - 2026

Lionel Lawrence Prokop, 76, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 20, 1949, in Stratton, Nebraska to Cyprian and Antoinette (Horinek) Prokop.

Lionel was raised on a farm north of Colby, Kansas. He graduated from Colby High School in 1968 and later earned his Associate’s Degree from Colby Community College in 1995.

In April of 1969, Lionel married the love of his life, Sharlyn. Their love story began in the third grade when they first met. They became best friends, dated throughout high school, and built a beautiful life together. To this union were born four children: Alicia, Linnea, Jeremy, and Joshua. The couple lived in Colby, Kansas for over 25 years before making their home in North Platte, Nebraska, where they continued building their life surrounded by family and friends.

Throughout his life, Lionel worked for a variety of businesses, developing countless skills along the way. He had a rare ability to build, fix, or create anything set before him. He took great pride in constructing agricultural equipment and bringing to life whatever ideas his mind could imagine.

Lionel deeply loved the outdoors and spent countless hours hunting and fishing. He trekked across fields, hiked through canyons, and often found a flat rock to soak up the sunshine for a well-earned nap. From the time his children were toddlers, he introduced them to the joy of God’s creation. In recent years, when health issues prevented him from leading hunting trips, his children lovingly took him along, allowing him to continue enjoying the countryside and the fellowship he cherished so deeply.

One of Lionel’s proudest accomplishments was perfecting his BBQ recipes. He spent six years developing his signature dry rubs and special BBQ sauce. He operated a food truck specializing in smoked meats and homemade side dishes, passing on his love of BBQ to his children. Today, his BBQ legacy is promoted by his son Jeremy and family through Prokops’ Smokin’ BBQ.

Lionel was known for his tremendous sense of humor. Always ready with a joke or prank, he certainly was not a man of few words. He never met a stranger and loved striking up conversations — especially with anyone wearing bib overalls. His family often joked there must be a “Secret Overall Society,” and they were quite certain Lionel was its president.

Having lost his own father at a young age, Lionel had a special heart for boys without active fathers. He mentored many young men, teaching them life skills, offering guidance, and sharing his steadfast faith in the Heavenly Father. He spent many hours in prayer for his loved ones.

Lionel was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; one brother; six sisters; and one great-grandson, Huxley.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharlyn; his four children: Alicia Shelton; Linnea Radke (Marty); Jeremy Prokop (Dawn); and Joshua Prokop (Natalie); 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters; two brothers-in-law; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Memorials are respectfully requested to the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of specially designed hoodies used in fighting wildland fires.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11 AM at Valley Christian Church, 2001 West State Farm Road, with Pastor Joel Miller and Kaye Metzler as officiants.  A graveside service will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 AM at the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Atwood, KS.  Visitation is Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 12 PM to 5 PM at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.