Obituaries

     Robert “Joe” Prout, age 80, 524 Polk Street, Huntington died at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday (May 13, 2008) at the Heritage Pointe, Warren, IN.

     Mr. Prout retired as Principal of Washington Center Township Elementary in Whitley County where he held that position for over 20 years.  He began his teaching career at Bippus High School teaching Industrial Arts and Social Studies.  Joe also taught at Cowan High School in Delaware County and Mississinewa High School in Grant County.  His service as principal began at Sulphur Springs in Henry County and continued at Kewanna in Fulton County and Southern Wells.  He was in education for over 41 years.

     Mr. Prout was a member of the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Huntington Metro Kiwanis serving as Treasurer for many years.  Joe was a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Huntington County Retired Teachers Association and volunteered at the Forks of the Wabash.  Joe enjoyed building homes and doing carpentry work and, in his early years, he enjoyed oil painting.

     Joe was born on October 19, 1927 in Indianapolis the son of Ray and Mary (Trask) Prout.  He graduated from Anderson High School in 1945 and earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in Industrial Arts and his Masters Degree in Education from Ball State University. He also served as Fireman First Class with the United States Navy during W.W. II.  Joe married Anita M. Eickhoff on August 2, 1953 in Huntington.

     Survivors include his wife of 54 years – Anita M. Prout of Huntington; one son – Mark R. (Julie) Prout of Hartford City, IN: one daughter – Marie L. (Robert) DeWeese of Warren, IN; one brother – Ray T. (Pauline) Prout of Lady Lake, FL; one sister - Mary Ann (Les) Chanley of Vincennes, IN. Seven grandchildren - Travis (Becky) Bolinger of Huntington, Amanda (Jon) Bordeaux of Warren, Michelle Bolinger of Warren, Douglas Prout of Hartford City,  Liz Bolinger, Thomas Bolinger and Robby Bolinger all of Warren and many nieces and nephews.  One brother, Jack Prout, and a sister, Martha Wood, preceded him in death.

     Visitation will be Thursday (May 15, 2008) from 3 – 7 p.m. at Bailey-Love Mortuary.           Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday (May 16, 2008) at the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 648 N. La Fontaine Street, Huntington with an hour of visitation prior to the service.  The Rev. Dr. Richard Lofgren will officiate.  Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, Huntington, IN.  The V.F.W. Post #2689 will perform military graveside rites.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Altar Guild or Missions at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN  46750.

     You may e-mail condolences to the family at:  baileylove@sbcglobal.net

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