R. LaVern Prough , of Fort Madison, died Sunday, April 7, 2024 at his home. He was born in Bucklin, Mo. on March 15, 1940, to Opal Prough, and named for the doctor and nurse that delivered him. He faced immediate challenges as the son of an unwed mother during those difficult times, but overcame all with the love of his mother, his grandmother, Verna, and uncle, Edwin, who helped to raise him. He lived in the very rural area of Elmer, Mo. where he played in “Sand Crick” and was a basketball star in the local school. In 1958, he graduated from LaPlata, Mo. High School and took off to experience a great new world. After living in Chicago for a short time, he moved to Fort Madison to marry the love of his life, Ruth Smutzer on June 1, 1961. Together they raised two daughters, Kim and Debbie, whom he adored until his last breath.
He was a very hard worker and entrepreneur, owning and managing the Fort Madison Ambulance Service, multiple service stations, tow trucks and a convenience store. He proudly served as a Lee County Deputy Sheriff, worked as a lieutenant at the Iowa State Penitentiary and other miscellaneous jobs until his “retirement”. He continued to sell cars and other items on eBay and Facebook- for himself as well as his many family members and friends. He was friendly and well known, always had a few good stories to tell and loved to make people laugh. He would do anything for anyone and positively affected the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. He loved old country music, especially George Jones, Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard, and was a great fan of Elvis, having visited Graceland and Branson several times. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Prough on Dec. 1, 2009, his mother, Opal and step-father, Roy Shumaker, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
He is survived by his loving daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and Ray Crutcher of Davenport, and Deborah and Doug Bergquist of Fort Madison. He considered himself to be fortunate in later years to connect with another daughter, Melanie Perry of Henderson, Nev. and her family. He also enjoyed the company of his step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, his special friend, Loretta Wardlow and “Woody”, his grand dog. He had many great experiences, overcame unusual challenges, and made innumerable close friendships throughout his lifetime. He was an unforgettable man.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established for the Lee County K9 Program, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison.