John Robert Prude

My deepest condolences to the Prude family. I lived and worked as a counselor supervisor in the mid 1970s at Prude Ranch when it was a facility for troubled youth while also attending Sul Ross University. Staying one summer (1975) for the summer camp. Mr. Prude was so generous and cared very much not only for those troubled youth but the employees as well. RIP

Mr. Prude was my prof. at Sul Ross and he ask me if my wife and I would work at the ranch. We ran the trail rides for the kids. It was a great time and Mr. Prude nearly always was there to saddle up are go out on the trail with us. He was a great man and he did love the ranch.

I read today in Texas Highways magazine that one of the great Texas Tourism supporters passed away earlier this year. I remember him from the Texas Travel Industry meetings and my visit to the ranch and it's campfire cookout. My sympathy to his family.

John Robert was a great friend and a true hero for Texas Tourism! I was deeply saddened by his passing but I'll remember with grand fondness his favorite saying to me: "I'll leave a horse saddled for ya"! Rest in Peace in Paradise my good good friend.

While my heart goes out to the entire Prude Family, my thoughts are of Betty, Chipper and Andy who became my friends so many years ago. John Robert had a heart big enough for all he met and after all these years, I remain fiercely proud of being part of the Prude Ranch Family.
Like his father before him, John Robert left this world a much better place than when he came to it. He gave to each of us a little piece of "the best place on earth".

I was sorry to hear about John Robert. I loved him dearly and will truly miss him. We have had three generations go to Prude Ranch and all so loved being around John Robert. We all express our condolences and our prayers are with you all.

Dear Betty and Family,
Our sincere condolences to you all. John was a great man in all ways. We started visiting the Prude Ranch for the Star Party 10 years ago and the very warm welcome we received has brought us back every year since (all the way from the UK). We were especially pleased to be allowed to share The Big House last year for the Ladies Tea Party and just loved your family home.
Jan & Keith Venables, Camberley, UK

I was sorry to hear about John Robert.I have tohught of him the Prude family and the ranch often and the joy of being at Prude all those years.
Vaya con Dios

Dear Betty and family,
We want you all to know that we are sorry for your loss. We learned of John Robert passing. We where surprised.We will keep you all in our Thoughts and Prayers during this time. We sure did enjoy coming down there when we could . Thank you for sending the paper from there that way we can keep up with all what is going on down there. We are holding our own here. Not in the best of Health either. But with Gods help we will make it. Take Care We Love You all. Norman, Autherean, Sue

My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Prude family over the loss of a great man, Mr. John Robert Prude. While I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Prude, it struck me while reading his obituary just how kind, sincere, and generous of his time he must have been, and how much he must have enriched countless numbers of children and adults' lives through his outreach. As an amateur astronomer, I would just like to say "thank you" to Mr. Prude and to the entire Prude family for everything they have done for the astronomy community. He will certainly never be forgotten by us.

We are real sorry to hear about John Robert's passing. He is a generation of Texan pioneers that is rapidly vanishing from our state. He will be sorely missed.

Dear Betty Ann and Prude Family, I was saddened to hear of John Robert's death. Your family, John G, and John Robert provided my childhood with the happiest memories that I hold in my heart to this day. I still have my belt buckle and pictures of me as the "Big Chief of the Comanche Tribe". Heaven is so lucky to have John Robert, but It will leave a hole as big as the State of Texas in many hearts. I love you all. Minette Velvin-Strader

We just heard the sad news. We've spent many summer nights sitting on our porch across the street from the Prude Ranch rodeo ring, listening to Mr. Prude call for those lucky kids to "come a ridin", and that is a memory we are glad to have.
Our sympathies to Andy and the entire Prude family.

I just learned today of John Robert's promotion from the Big House to the Father's House. The Harman family all have the fondest memories of our friendship with the Prudes. Our Jonathan claims Prude Ranch as part his. He even took his new bride there 11 years ago and is planning for Jeffrey (19 months) to be a camper as soon as he is old enough. It will not be the same without Big Spurs and John Robert, but the Prude legacy will live on. Thank you for all you mean to us. Jonathan is a better man because of Prude Ranch. May the tributes of others bring you comfort and peace. Betty, you are especially in my prayers as you continue the journey.

We will always fondly remember John Robert as our smiling host at the Texas Star Parties that we first attended in 1985. Hazel and Tom Mote, San Antonio, Texas

The earth lost a lot of salt when John Robert Prude left to be with the Lord. John Robert was a true Texan with all the values, humility and pride that comes from a true survant. I don't think John Robert recognized me the last time I saw him, but he asked me, "have I done every thing I said I would do for ya?" That was his servant heart. I'm glad God let me know John Robert Prude...I'm beter for it. Carson Watt, an aggie friend

Dear Prude family, When we learned of John Robert's passing I couldn't help but remember all the summers of sending our daughter to camp at your beautiful ranch. She learned many life lessons there and ultimately met the man to share her lifetime. I can't help but be amazed at all of the young people whose lives have been touched by John Robert. I'm sure that when he arrived in Heaven that Big Spurs had his horse saddled and waiting and one of these days when it is our turn to go on the other side we will probably hear him call our name..."come a ridin'" Our prayers are with you all.

We are saddened to hear about the loss of this great man and great Texas Cowboy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Prude family and extended family. John Robert was able to announce the rodeo when our daughter, Lauren, won her first belt buckle. He will always have a special place in our hearts.

The Simpler Family (The Woodlands, TX)
Will, Michelle & Lauren

my life is intertwined with John Robert''s - he and Prude Ranch generally had a monumental influence on me from age 10 to 25. Every kid should be so lucky to have the Prude Ranch experience.

we will miss his ready smile and laughter...

I have fond memories of trips to Prude Ranch with my church youth group growing up. What a great loss for our region - we are humbled by all that Mr. Prude did for the tourism industry.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. What great memories.

Thank you very much for helping us host so many motorcycle rallies at the ranch. Permian Basin Motorcycle Association.
Donald Ottinger

Betty and all the children, I am so sorry for the loss of This great man. I remember years back..My grandmother Clara Peck from Balmorhea/Pecos was such a good friend to John's mother and father and the family. Betty you were so pretty and the love of John's life. I thought you and John were what every young marrieds should be. I have been gone so long from Pecos and the beloved Davis Mountains, but will never forget those days and the ranch. I wish God's wonderous healing for you and the family. John Robert is riding the stars. Adios for now! Sincerely, Anne Pilgrim, Abilene(formerly Bell from Pecos)

I have many fond memories of the Prude family and enjoyed visiting with my parents (Luke & Bea Crawford) many times at the Ranch. May God bless you all during this time and know that John Robert is riding a horse in Heaven.

Prude Ranch was my summer escape from Houston as a kid (1973-1979). I can't imagine how differently my life could have turned out had it not been for those summers. Nor have I forgotten the magic of Prude Ranch. Thank you John Robert. Jeff Flud, Alpine, Texas

Kelly Ann and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your grandfather's passing. For so many years he has been so much a part of summer camp for all our girls. Please know that you are in our prayers but also know he's up in heaven with his Dad.
Jan and John Klein

Thank you, John Robert, for no fewer than nine of the best summers of my life.

To The Entire Prude Family:
Jesus said, "My Father's house has many rooms and I shall go and prepare one for you !" John Robert actually lived this statement here on earth via his sharing of the Prude Ranch and the Davis Mtns.with literally thousands and thousands of people from all over the world. My Uncle Lynn Davis was in one of the first group of summer campers John Robert brought to the ranch from Odessa in the 1950's, I camped there in the 1960's and now my daughter Lexie Davis will be on her 6th summer session. What an unbelivable legacy John Robert has left for anyone ever fortunate enough to have come in contact with him, even if it was just for a few minutes. May God sustain all of you during this time of celebration for a life well spent and a place in Heavan well deserved !
Sincerely,
Mark B. Davis

Very sad at John Robert's passing. He is a huge part of so many wonderful childhood memories. He will be missed.

My Dad's family is originally from Ft. Davis, so growing up we grew up visiting "the greatest place on earth" and knowing all about the Prude Ranch and family. Although, obituaries are not for entertainment, I truly enjoyed reading Mr. Prude's obit. What an interesting and full life he had ! May his family find comfort in knowing, that he may be gone,but I'm sure he is now riding the range on the horse that God had "saddled up " waiting for his arrival.
Happy trails Mr. Prude.

To all of the Prudes -Each of you are being thought of and held up in prayer.
We extend our sympathy to you as you travel the road of the loss of one of the finest men we have ever known.
Bill, Patti, and Marcie Watson

My deepest sympathies go out to the Prude family in the time of their loss. I can remember many summers spent at the ranch and the happiness and values I learned there are still very important to me. Thanks John for all you did.
Vaya Con Dios my friend

Dear Prude family,
I would like to express my condolences to your family on the loss of John Robert. I can't epress the joy I had as a camp counselor back in the 1970's. The memories for hundreds of counselors and campers will live on forever.May God Bless Bless you all during this time.
Larry Morris

My deepest sympathy to a very fine and outstanding family from Rankin, Texas.
I was in school with John Robert in Rankin.
Vaya Con Dios John Robert, will see you later.