Cecil Harvey Prough

Cecil Harvey Prough, age 86, the son of Harvey H. and Rose Ella (Anderson) Prough, was born Oct. 9, 1926, in Schell City, Mo., and passed from this life at 8:48 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at Appleton City Manor in Appleton City, Mo.

Cecil attended school at Flat Rock then began his lifelong work as a farmer. With the exception of a very brief time in the late 1940s, when the family moved near Amsterdam, Mo., Cecil lived his entire life in Vernon County. It was while living in Bates County that Cecil met Geraldine Lois Ackerley, a neighbor. The two were married on March 9, 1947, in Adrian, Mo. In 1948, the newlyweds moved to this area and lived the rest of their lives here where they became the parents of three children.

Cecil farmed, working row crops, hogs, cattle, and also had a limited milking operation. He loved the work and the land. In what spare time they had, both Cecil and Gerry loved to fish and always enjoyed the Schell City Wildlife area. For many years they donated countless amounts of fish for the Schell City Rural Fire Department smorgasbord that was held annually during the Schell City Fall Festival. But more than anything, they enjoyed their family, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, along with all of the extended family.

Cecil was baptized in the Osage River as a young man. He was also a more than 50-year member of the local Schell City Masonic Lodge.

Survivors include his wife Gerry of the home in Schell City, Mo.; one son, Roger Prough and his wife, Carol, of Schell City; one daughter, Dena McKinney of Schell City; one brother, Everett Prough and his wife, Pat, of Schell City; one sister, Roberta Kershner of Adrian, Mo.; six grandchildren, Dustin Prough and his wife, Angie, of Joplin, Mo., Deland Prough and his wife, Veronica of Schell City, Daleen Abernathy and her husband, Chad, of Quapaw, Okla., Erin Lee, Greg Prough and his wife, Sue, of Nevada, and Corey Prough of North Dakota; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roy Prough; four sisters, Doris Prough, Velda Rahn, Evelyn Prough, and Dorothy Stice; and his beloved daughter, Beverly, who passed away in 1994.

Funeral services for Cecil Harvey Prough were held at 1 p.m., today, at the Schell City Christian Church in Schell City, Mo., with the Rev. Doug Reynolds officiating. Musical selections were provided by Raelynn Kershner. Pallbearers were Dustin Prough, Deland Prough, Greg Prough, Corey Prough, Chad Abernathy, and Kenny Prough. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City. Memorials are suggested to the Schell City Rural Volunteer Fire Department of Schell City Community Betterment.

Arrangements for Mr. Prough were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.