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David Proctor Obituary
David W. Proctor, 42, of Belleville, Ill., formerly of Herrin, Ill., born Dec. 31, 1966, in Kansas City, Mo., passed away at 7:43 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at his home.
David graduated from Herrin High School in 1985 where he was on the football team, a tri-captain on the wrestling team and an all-state trombone player in the band. He received his undergraduate degree from Baylor University and later earned a masters degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Most recently he was a pharmaceutical representative for Sanofi-Aventis in the St. Louis area. He was a Christian and was baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church of Herrin in 1974. David enjoyed life and had many friends. His pride was his son, Nicholas. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are his parents, Joe E. and Joanna M., nee Ward, Proctor of Herrin, Ill.; a son, Nicholas Ray Proctor of Belleville, Ill.; a brother, Daniel Proctor and family of Denton, Texas; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial donations are suggested to Herrin First Baptist Church and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, 201 S. 13th St., Herrin, Ill. 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com
Visitation: Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Herrin, Ill.
Funeral: The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at the First Baptist Church in Herrin with Rev. Don Grammer officiating. A graveside committal service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.
JOHNSON-HUGHES
FUNERAL HOME,
Herrin, Ill.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Proctor
Beth Beavers
October 8, 2019
You are missed. :(
Todd Bradley
October 22, 2009
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Botwinski
October 21, 2009
Mr. & Mrs. Proctor, Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your son. We've been out of town for the past week and just learned of your tragedy.
You and your family are in our prayers in this time of sorrow.
Ron & Glenda Botwinski & Family
October 20, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor,
I was very saddened to hear about David. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marion Andrews
Rene' (Billingsley) Cox
October 20, 2009
Joe, Joanna, and Danny, May the memories of a fine son, loving brother, and caring father fill your hearts during this time of sorrow.
David Bleyer
October 20, 2009
I don't remember the first time I met Dave. It's possible that we encountered each other in the hallways of Southside as my mom and his mom finished their instruction for the day. Or was it in the milkroom next to Joann's classroom where we would attempt to sneak out a pint of chocolate milk with impunity? Regardless of my memory, Dave influenced my life at an early age.
Throughout our formidable years, he continued to sprinkle in moments that have made a lasting impression in my life. A talented musician, we marched in many parades and enjoyed the opportunity to radiate our skills to a forgiving crowd. His foray into student politics would provide the impetus for me to pursue a degree in Political Science. He once told me that, "Actions can be forgiven, thoughts cannot be compromised." However, it was is leadership on the mat that set him apart from the ordinary star in the sky. He shone the brightest when he was attacking his opponents and leading his team to victory. These skills would eventually lead him to a successful practice in the pharmaceutical industry.
We began to gravitate toward each other after Dave graduated from Baylor and returned to Southern Illinois to validate his academic accomplishments. Although seasoned in his studies, he was green in his approach. He asked me to write his resume and tutor him on viability. Our mutual efforts secured him a position with Cellular One and led to a lucrative career in sales and management.
I would like to say that our relationship was without trepidation. Far from it! He thought I was arrogant; I thought the same of him. I thought he was brilliant; he reluctantly thought the same of me. I considered him short and fat; he considered me tall and bald. He expected more out of me; I didn't expect enough out of him.
I loathe to close this tribute because the pain still cripples my heart. His tenacity to reach out and enjoy the tentacles that supplied the sunshine to his soul will forever bring a smile to me and the people he loved. Passion and bonds of affection will bring out the better nature of our angels and allow us to realize that this world was beautiful with David Proctor.
David Bleyer
October 19, 2009
David was a bright and brilliant man, funny and compassionate in his work. He was a pleasure to know and a valued and respected professional. I am glad to have been able to get to know him as a friend. Ann Edmunds (St. Louis, MO)
EDDIE WILLIAMS
October 19, 2009
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THE PROCTOR FAMILY.
Kelly Dotson
October 17, 2009
I will be praying for God's peace to comfort the many that loved David and will miss him. I'll miss you buddy!!
Susan Armstrong
October 17, 2009
As a Senior at Herrin High School I wanted to take a foreign language to compliment the Spanish I'd taken so I decided on first-year German. David was in the class as a Freshman and we became fast friends. Because of his sense of humor and appetite for fun, we had such a blast in that class together, always laughing and joking and attempting to speak in German to each other. His smile and laugh are still etched in my minds eye, and his fantastic personality, on my heart.
Recently, Facebook made me think of him, and I hoped we could get back in contact and possibly laugh together again. Mr. & Mrs. Proctor, Danny and Nick, if I feel such an emptiness in my heart from knowing David only a few months 27 years ago, I can not even begin to imagine the hurt and tragedy you must feel. There is absolutely nothing that anyone can say or do to fix this, or even come close, so one must conclude that sharing fond memories of your wonderful son, and prayers, are the only things that might contribute some small amount of comfort. Your entire family will be in my prayers at this most difficult time. May the comfort only God can provide be with you now and in the months ahead.
Michelle Rolando Shadowens
October 17, 2009
Mr and Mrs Proctor and Nicholas, I am so sorry for your loss. David is a great person and he will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very tough time.
Dwayne Thompson
October 16, 2009
I met David at SIU when he was 18. We've been friends for 25 years, always there for each other. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor, it breaks my heart to imagine your grief and what Nicholas must endure. You are in my heart tonight. I will always remember David's fun spirit and his kind heart. And his smile. I'll miss you, buddy.
October 16, 2009
Dear Joe, Joanna and Danny. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember David from when I was a child and your family lived three houses down from us. I pray God strenghtens you through this time of heartbreak.
Woodie (Staffey) Romines, Herrin, Il.
Tracie Basler Cravens
October 16, 2009
Mr and Mrs Proctor and Nicholas, I am so sorry for your loss. I had not seen David in a few years, but I will always remember his smile, and easy going personality. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken, Diane & Caleb Harsin
October 16, 2009
We were shocked and saddened to hear of David's death. Caleb told me the other night when I was tucking him in. He was very sad, and his thoughts were of Nick. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Candice Potter
October 16, 2009
I knew David through work. He was a Pharm. Rep. and came in often to see us. I didn't get the pleasure of knowing him a great deal, but I do know that he loved his son with everything he had in him. David will be missed deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this deeply sad time. But keep in mind, that God only takes the BEST.
Candice Potter @ University Internists of St. Louis
October 15, 2009
Joe and Joanne I am so sorry to hear of the passing of David. I can't find the appropriate words to express my true feelings. What does a person say to parents who have lost a child? I know you are strong in your faith and my prayer for you is that God will place His arms around you and give you the strength to cope now and in the future. I can imagine that losing a child is about the worse experience that parents should have to go through. God be with you.
Mary Beth Murphy-Vaughn
Annette Walker Murphy
October 15, 2009
Joe and Joanna, Danny, and Nicholas,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. It seems like only yesterday when David used to ride his bike down the hill to play at my house in grade school. Throughout the years, he remained a good friend, and I'm happy to say that I got to talk to him several times over the past few months.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
sherry (Short) Reichert
October 15, 2009
I was shocked to hear the news about David. Peace be with your family in this most trying time. David's laugh and smile was what I remembered about him most.
Carolyn (Wilson) Bowers
October 15, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor:
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know David, but Joe was part of my life when I was a kid, with choir and the hand bell choir, etc.
My prayers will be with you.
Lisa Clarida
October 15, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember seeing David in Band but never really go to know him. I wish and pray for some comfort in his passing.
Angela (Horn) Wagner
October 15, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I had ran into David a time or two And as always had that warm smile on his face. One night last week we had talked for a little while about old times at Herrin High and life. I am again truly sorry for your loss and will be prayer for gods hand to be upon you and your family in such a sad time. He will never be forgotten!
Nick Hayes
October 15, 2009
Nick,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time...
Your friend from Zion Lutheran School...
Melissa (Strunk) Neal
October 15, 2009
Crying for you, praying for you. May God give you all that is needed. Love to you all
Debbie (Murry) Dingrando
October 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Robert Knutson
October 15, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor and Nick - Today there is a terrible sadness among all who knew David. It is true that the years have flown since I last spoke to David, but he was a big part of my childhood growing up in Herrin and memories of years gone by.
Last night I pulled out some old year books from Southside and Herrin High School and sat down and began to thumb through them in remembrance of your son and father. It was impossible not to find my boyhood friend in many pictures in each of the yearbooks. David was into everything: music, clubs, academics, sports, etc.
As I thumbed through yearbooks from grade school, junior high and high school, so many great memories came back in a flood. The days when he, Jim Gaddis and I played in Mr. Moore’s marching band - the three of us in the front row blasting our trombones. We never could be normal - our trombones had to have socks imprinted with “Herrin Red Devils”. The thoughts of how many times he helped me/covered for me when I couldn’t remember the music touched me - music came so easy to him.
Other memories of our group of friends in junior high and high school also edged into my mind - the good, the bad, the drama -- the trips to Great Skate Train/Marion movies, ball games, etc. We spent many weekend nights together and trips to/from in the back of our parents’ trucks, etc. Thanks, JoAnn, for letting David go even though I’m sure it was against your better judgment. You were right, of course, but it would not have been the same without him there.
I remember those nights we all stayed up late building floats together – protecting our floats from upperclassmen and, as upperclassmen, participating in covert operations to vandalize underclassmen floats. David was the master of camouflage and planning. It always helped to have a smart one in the bunch and David was smart and gifted.
Perhaps the area David and I got to know each other well and shared common interest was athletics. We played football and wrestled together all through high school. It is no secret that David was fast, tough as nails and one of the hardest workers I knew. David was not only a leader, but a mediator amongst his peers - and he was good. His wit also grew on you. Truth be told, David is one of the key people that kept the 1985 wrestling team together and a big reason we achieved the success we did. He was great at identifying those that needed some encouragement or a little goose in the rear and, most importantly, he kept us talking to one another.
David not only lead our class in high school on the student council, participating in many clubs, was a captain on the wrestling team, achieved all-state distinction in music with his trombone, did well in class, but most of all what I remember is that he was one of the gang who made it through grade school, junior high and high school together. The idea that he is no longer among us breaks my heart and has produced a void for me, as I suspect for many others that knew him.
I apologize for the long note, but many years ago, our group of friends and the wrestling team made a pact to not forget one another after high school when we went our separate ways. We agreed to take the time to celebrate accomplishments and the memories we shared. My friend, I hope I have done my commitment justice. I will miss you and will never forget you! And to close, I will echo a fellow member of the class of 1985 -- David will always be a Tiger!!!!!!!!!
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor and Nick, on behalf of the Knutson family, please accept our deepest sympathy in your time of loss. Although it has been many years since our paths have crossed, please know how deeply we respect your family. May God grant you comfort and peace as you deal with this great loss.
October 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May God give you peace.
Dr. Lori Guyton & Staff, Herrin, IL
Ann (Staley) Williams
October 15, 2009
My heart goes out to the entire family. David was a great person. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Greg and Caroline Phillips
October 15, 2009
We would like to express our deepest sympathies to your whole family, and we will pray that God will supply all your needs during this painful period. We are so sorry.
Donna Gates
October 15, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you during these very tough days.
Dallas and Nancy Burlison
October 15, 2009
Dear Joe, Joann, and Family ~
Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of your beloved David. If only there were adequate words to express our sorrow.
Please know you are all in our tender thoughts and prayers. May our loving God lift you up, and encompass you with His precious Arms of comfort.
Kim Pinkston-Haney
October 15, 2009
David was such a wonderful person with an uplifting since of humor and a remarkable artistic ablility. My deepest condolences are with you both, Joanna and Joe, and the entire family.
My heart and prayers are and will be with you always.
Sincerely,
Kim Pinkston-Haney
Cathy (Jarvis) Motsinger
October 15, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Linda and Jake Priddy
October 15, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you.
tammy gwaltney
October 14, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor, I am praying for you and your family and this time of great loss.
Eric & Solangel Sutman
October 14, 2009
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Proctor family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Reveal
October 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
krisana simpson
October 14, 2009
Terrible sadness is among all who knew David. My prayers are with his family and child.
Robin Norman (Knutson)
October 14, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Proctor,
Please accept my families deepest sympathy in your time of loss. My brother, Robert Knutson, and David were good friends all through high school and life for that matter. So I grew up around David as well. David was a sweet and caring young man. His passing is a great loss. We will pray that God will grant you peace and comfort in the days to come.
Beth Beavers
October 14, 2009
Mr. Joe, Ms. Johanna, Danny - Its been years, but you know how much we loved each and every one of you. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. No words can express the sadness... May God lift you all during this time of sorrow.
Beth Beavers Mitchell & Annette Beavers Schucker & family
Vicki Gentry
October 14, 2009
Joe & Joann,
My folks & I were so saddened to hear of David's passing. The loss of a child is probably the most painful human experience. You're in our thoughts & prayers during this difficult time.
Angel Ray (Claunch)
October 14, 2009
The years have flown since I last spoke to David, but he was always a part of my growing up in a neighborhood of great kids. He will be truly missed. My prayers go out to your family. I will be thinking of you in this sad time.
Cheryl (Smith)Stewart
October 14, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Remember that God can give you the comfort & peace you need to get through the difficult times. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Tim Sheraden
October 14, 2009
Joe, Joanna and Danny,
On behalf of the Sheraden family, please accept our deepest sympathy in your time of loss. Although it has been many years since our paths have crossed, please know how deeply we respect the character of your family and your contributions to the community of Herrin. May God grant you comfort and peace.
Leanne (Beach) Mausey
October 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't seen David since high school but he was a great person. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family and I pray that God will give you peace and comfort.
Beth Swinford Smith
October 14, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to your family.
Matt Sutman
October 14, 2009
Words are no good right now. Be assured I'm praying hard for you all.
October 14, 2009
Prayers are with your whole family ..... may God comfort you all... The Hartline Family
Lisa Warren
October 14, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Lori Payne Brewer
October 14, 2009
Joe, Joanna and Danny. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
Lisa Wells (Bivin)
October 14, 2009
Joe & Joanna,
When I think of high school, he is one of the people that come to mind. I am so sorry. I will be praying for God's peace to be with you during this time and for His comfort in the coming months.
Andrette Brown Herron
October 14, 2009
My thougts and prayers are with your family now. May God give you comfort and peace.
Denise Olkoski
October 14, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
October 14, 2009
I'm so sorry for your loss my prayers are with you .Joy Laffoon
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