John Edwin Proctor

John Edwin Proctor, Stilwell, KS, died August 1, 2009, at KC Hospice House, after battling leukemia for 5 months, with his family at his side. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 5, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. Memorial contributions can be made to Metro Lutheran Ministry or Community LINC. John was born March 8, 1933, in Lansing, MI, to Stanley and Lucile Proctor. He lived in SE Michigan. He started school in 1938 in a one-room country school. John graduated from South Lyon High School in 1951, lettering in basketball and track. He attended Michigan State University, and got his degree in Ornamental Horticulture, became a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and lettered in Cross Country. But more importantly, he met his future wife, Marilyn Johnson. They were married on November 26, 1955. John served in the Army and was stationed outside of Honolulu, at Schofield Barracks, where he and Marilyn lived until 1957. After a few short stops, they settled into Saline, Michigan, while he worked for Niagara Chemical, and then later worked for what is now known as Bayer CropScience. In 1977, John and his family moved to Stilwell, KS, when he became a Product Manager for Bayer Corp., working in many capacities until his retirement in 1998. He was instrumental in the research and development of many of the innovative pest control products, such as Merit, being marketed today by Bayer Advanced TM. John was a member of the National Pest Control Association, The National Turf Grass Association, and the Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Association to name just a few. After retirement, John and Marilyn traveled the world. Besides his family and friends, his greatest loves were fishing, gardening, and working on genealogy. John seldom missed a grandchild's orchestra concert or soccer game. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and their color guard, The Mayflower Society, The Huguenot Society, The Delano Kindred, The Soule Kindred, and The Alden Kindred. John was active with his church, Metro Lutheran Ministries, and Community LINC, where he served as a very active and helpful volunteer up until his diagnosis of leukemia. John is survived by his wife Marilyn of 53 years; his son Tobin Proctor and wife Denise; his son Bradley Proctor and wife Beth; four granddaughters, Hannah, Bailey, Micah, and Brooke; his sister, Nancy and her husband Richard Simpson; nieces and a nephew, as well as many friends. Arr. D.W. Newcomer's Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS; (913) 451-1860. Condolences and fond memories may be left for the family at www.dwnewcomers.com.