Theodore “Ted” E. Prouty passed into the Lord’s arms amongst family on Thursday (Oct. 22, 2009) in Wichita, Ks.
Ted was born, the son of Wilbur and Wilhelmina Wiegand Prouty, in Newton, Ks. on December 1, 1934 and was a lifelong Harvey County resident. He graduated from Newton High School. He entered the United States Marine Corps and was discharged in 1955. Ted married Phyllis Lefort on December 3, 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Garden City, Ks.
Ted grew up farming and after being in business with his father, Wilbur Prouty, in a hay hauling operation, he established Prouty Truck Line in 1962. He enjoyed the travel and saw a great portion of the United States from his semi-truck, hauling livestock. Ted gradually expanded the business to include several associates, three sons and a grandson. Ted made many friends in the livestock and beef industry. He retired from trucking in 2001. He is Past President of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association: Farm-to-Market division.
Ted attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered at his church as an usher, greeter, and Eucharistic Minister. He also mowed the St. Mary’s Cemetery during the Summer months. Ted was voted Knight of the Year in 1985. He and Phyllis were voted “Family of the Year” in 2000.
Ted loved working on and maintaining his trucks at his shop in rural Hesston. The Prouty barn was the scene of many festive events. He also enjoyed trap shooting with his sons and other family members. He took his wife annually to the Kansas State Fair.
Survivors include his wife Phyllis of the home; sons Rick Prouty and his wife Nadine of Hesston, Ted “Butch” Prouty, Jr., and his wife Dee of Sedgwick, and Richard Prouty of Newton; daughters Lisa Schmidt and her husband Kevin of Sedgwick, and Maggie Smet and her husband Craig of Newton. Ted has 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother Robert “Bob” Prouty of Newton; sisters Elizabeth “Liz” Schierling of Wichita, Marilyn VanRossun and Mary Ballard both of Moundridge, Ks., Carol Rostetter of Dodge City, and Donna Tatro of McPherson. Ted is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Jean Friesen who had lived in Cody, Wyoming.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be said in his honor at 6:30 P.M., Sunday (Oct. 25, 2009) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Monday (Oct. 26, 2009) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton with Father Jim Mainzer and Father Ken Schuckman officiating. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday between 3:00 pm and 5:00pm. A memorial has been established with St. Mary’s School Building Fund, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
