Arthur Proffer

Arthur Ray Proffer, 78, of Jackson died Monday, June 9, 2003, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He had been a resident there six years.

He was born Jan. 26, 1925, at Whitewater, son of Ray and Marie Jones Proffer. Orphaned at an early age, Arthur Ray was raised by his paternal grandparents, Harvey Lee and Marzilla Fulbright Proffer, and Aunt Desdia and Uncle Lee Proffer. He and Leanna Phillips were married in 1954. She passed away in 1987.

Arthur Ray worked many years at Lone Star Cement Co. in Cape Girardeau. He was a member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau.

He served with the U.S. Army in the European Theater during World War II.

Loving survivors include a cousin, Mildred Proffer Reynolds and husband Gary of Whitewater, (Mildred and Arthur Ray were raised together); a half brother, Roy Kerley Jr. of Ullin, Ill.; and a number of other cousins.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Zych officiating. Burial will be in Proffer Cemetery at Crump, with a service by Military Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Scott Reynolds, Junior Kerley, Boyd Richardson, Lender Crader, Jack Devore, and Stan Turner.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Proffer Cemetery or Missouri Veterans Home.