Fred Proctor

FRED PROCTOR, age 89, of Elburn, passed away Sunday, April 19, 2015, following a short illness, at his home surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. He was born January 5, 1926, in Mt. Vernon, IL, the son of Claude and Laura (Boner) Proctor. When Fred was still young, the family moved to IN where he spent several years on a farm before moving to Elburn, where he finished his education, graduating from Elburn High School. Before graduating in 1944, Fred made a name for himself in both basketball and baseball. He was very competitive, a family trait, and at one time there were three Proctors staring on the hardwood at same time. (He also was rumored to have been an Indiana State Champion in table tennis, though sources cannot be found at this time to corroborate his story.)The day after he graduated, both he and Frank hopped on the train to Chicago where they were met with representatives from the United States Navy. At some point they were separated and Fred was sent to serve his country as a gunner in Panama and various ships in the Pacific. Hawaii was a destination for a time, but no matter where in the world he served, he knew Elburn was home and it was to home he went following his honorable discharge. Fred was a no-woman man while in high school, choosing to focus on studies and sports, but after returning from the service, Fred upped his quotient by one when he met, fell in love, and swept Alice Anderson off her feet. They were united in marriage on June 25, 1949 at the Geneva Lutheran Church. They began their new life together in Elburn where Fred began working at the Elburn Packing Plant. Although his tenure there would end when the plant closed in the late 1980’s, his occupation of Elburn continued the rest of his life. Alice would pass away in 1997, but Fred continued to fill his home with happy memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Fred was a proud member of the Elburn American Legion, Post 630 and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Aurora. Fred was an outspoken man whom you never worried on where you stood, because Fred would tell you. He was a guys guy, but he never thought twice on telling you he loved you. He may have worn his heart on his sleeve, but it was right next to the chip on his shoulder. Fred’s competitive streak (that may have begun in the womb) continued throughout his life. After his days playing basketball and baseball were over, Fred continued to dominate the only way he knew how, on the links and in any other competition, of which he was quick to remind you. It wasn’t just boasting either, as he bested all his children and anyone else who would join him on the course, even when they were more than twenty years his junior! A true American patriot, Fred took his place at every Memorial Day and was proud to fly (and smartly salute) the American Flag, that to him, was an extension of his soul. Now he is at rest at his glorious best, waking up to a celestial reveille. He is survived by two children, Tom (Bonnie) Proctor and Nancy (Steve) Henrikson; Five grandchildren: Matt (Robyn) Proctor and their children, Nicholas and Ryan, Chris (Laura) Proctor, Scott Proctor, Kellie Henrikson and her daughters, Sammie and LexiMarianne (Aaron) Roberts;One daughter-in-law, Janet Proctor; One sister, Sandra Smith and many nieces and nephews.He is preceded by his wife, Alice;One son Mike Proctor;His twin brother Frank Proctor and six additional siblings: Ethel Proctor, Edith Swank, Louise Rogers, George Proctor, Claude Proctor and Donna Unruh.Visitation will be Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, from 3-7 p.m., with a service to follow at 7:30 p.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Fred’s name to benefit Chicago Honor Flight and the Elburn American Legion. Checks may be made to the "Fred Proctor Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes may also forwarded to the same address or on www.conleycare.com

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL, from 3-7 p.m., with a service to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Private family burial will follow at a later date.