Marvin E. Proffer
Marvin E. Proffer, 88, of Oakville, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at his home. He was born on February 3, 1931 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Marvin W. and Alta Proffer.
Loving husband of Donna Proffer (Lohse), father of Kirk (Cathy) Proffer, Marian (Steve) Houser and Kent (Peggy) Proffer, step father of Michael Becherer (Lisa), grandfather to Staci Houser, Drew (Carri) Houser, Cory (Lindsay) Proffer, Craig Proffer, Baleigh and Mallory Proffer, Chris Becherer (Kayli), Kyle and Connor Becherer, great grandfather to Soie and Nash Houser, Emerson and Lennon Proffer, brother-in-law to Peggy Proffer, Anita Dickerson, Kent (Rosana) Wilson, Jim (Lordes) Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin W. Proffer and Alta Proffer and brother Charles Proffer.
Marvin’s life centered around his participation and involvement in politics, government, the community, church and his family. He graduated from Central High School and was granted a football scholarship to Southeast Missouri State University. In 1953, he graduated with honors with a BS in Education and then received a graduate assistantship to University of Missouri Columbia. He graduated with a Masters in Education in 1954.
Marvin served in the United States Army and settled in Jackson, Missouri. Here he ran the family newspaper, theatre, printing and insurance businesses. At age 25, he was elected to the Jackson City Council and became very active in community affairs through the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, started the Jackson Jaycees, set up a summer recreation program and started and managed baseball teams.
Marvin was elected to the Missouri General Assembly in the House of Representatives in 1962 where he served 26 years, 8 years as Budget Chairman. Some of his many accomplishments include Southeast Missouri State University’s Show Me Center, The Missouri Veterans Home and the Missouri Conservation Center. In 1988, he received the Legislative Award for passing the Missouri Seat Belt Law. He also passed the bill for Unclaimed Property in Missouri. After his retirement from the legislature, he continued serving the people of Missouri by representing Southeast Missouri State and the Missouri Port Authority as a lobbyist in Jefferson City. He was truly a public servant.
A celebration of life service will be on
Wednesday, April 3 at 10:00am at
St. Paul United Church of Christ 5508 Telegraph Road,
St. Louis, MO, 63129 (Oakville) followed by a graveside service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marvin Proffer Memorial Garden at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Oakville or Kindred Hospice.
Donna,
Know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Anything that I can do, I’m only a phone call away.
Love, Donna
Kirk, Marian and Kent and families sorry to hear about Marvin’s passing. We are never ready to give up our loved ones, prayers for understanding and comfort in your time of loss!!!
There are no words to help you now, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. It is so difficult to lose a parent at any stage in their/our lives – it looks like you have some wonderful memories to take with you forever!
Our sincerest condolences.
– Love Scott and Cheri
I was one of Marvin’s legislative interns in the 1970s. As pastor at Evangelical Church in Cape Girardeau, I got to know Marvin from his many visits to see Alta, his mother. Marvin was a true gentleman and a loving son. Many of the older members remember Marvin fondly, especially his peers who grew up with him in our church. Our prayers are with you at this time of loss. Trust in the Lord always.
Blessings,
Pastor Daniel Mebane Johnson