Lee Charles Proper

Lee Charles Proper, beloved father, grandfather, veteran, and public servant, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born in Lake Worth, Florida, Lee was the cherished son of Henry Ward Proper and Martha Manning Benedict Proper. He grew up in Prescott, Arizona with a deep appreciation for community, service, and learning—values that would guide him throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Prescott High School in 1957, Lee was an active member of the Badger Newspaper staff, Band, Orchestra, and worked as a radio broadcast engineer at KYCA 1490 AM. His musical talents earned him a scholarship to Pepperdine University, where he met his future wife and continued to pursue his passion for journalism, music, and education.

Lee served honorably in the United States Army, demonstrating the same dedication and integrity that would later define his career with the United States Postal Service. As a Letter Carrier, he became a familiar and friendly face throughout Prescott, known for his reliability, warmth, and tireless work ethic.

He was a devoted husband to the late Patricia Alice Books Proper, with whom he shared a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Together, they raised three children who carry forward his legacy of kindness, curiosity, and service.

Lee is survived by his son John, wife Stephanie, and grandchildren Michael and Grace Proper of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; his son Stephen Proper and wife Mahvash Ighani of Cuenca, Ecuador; and his daughter Catherine, husband David, and grandchildren Nicholas and Isabella Fox of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Lee was a proud member of Prescott’s Smoki People and the National Association of Letter Carriers. His spiritual journey was rich and evolving, including membership in Prescott United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and, in his final days, receiving Roman Catholic Sacraments at Saint Catherine Laboure. Lee’s interests were as vibrant as his personality. He loved talking with people, exploring the Grand Canyon, backpacking, and engaging deeply with politics, journalism, and psychology. His conversations were always thoughtful, his stories captivating, and his insights profound.

Lee will be remembered for his genuine dedication to God and family, his service to country and community, and his boundless curiosity about the world. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Lee’s life Saturday, November 1st at 10:30 am at Ruffner-Wakelin Funeral Home in Prescott, Arizona. A reception will follow at the Smoki Pueblo.