Howard A. Prout, Jr.

Howard A. Prout, Jr., age 90, of St. Augustine, Florida (formerly of Hartford, Connecticut) passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida. He was born on October 10, 1931 in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Howard and Grace Prout, Sr. He married Shirley A. Stallard in 1951, who preceded him in death on March 1, 1988. He then married Mary C. Prout, who preceded him in death in 2015. Also preceding him in death were his three brothers; three of his four sisters; and one daughter, Vickie Fields.

Throughout his life, Howard mastered skills in numerous professions. Howard started life as a boxer in Hartford, Connecticut before joining the United States Army, where he became an Airborne Ranger. During the Korean War as a platoon sergeant, Howard earned both a purple heart and a combat infantry badge. After Korea, he was a ballroom dancer in New York City, where he met the love of his life, Shirley. The two were married and settled in Illinois. Howard spent his remaining work life of 35 years working in various craft and leadership positions at General Telephone & Electronics Corporation, before retiring in 1987 in Marion, Illinois. Howard earned a degree in accounting from Illinois State.  

Howard had a lifelong passion for music, dance, and telling stories. Even in his last days, he never passed up a chance to perform and dance. He was a friend to all he met.  

He is survived by three children, Gary Prout of Tunnel Hill, Illinois, Cheryl Walker of Coral Gables, Florida and Mark (Sara) Prout of St. Augustine, Florida; one sister, Evelyn DeJongh of Hartford, Connecticut; and seven grandchildren, Devin, Casey, Trent, Shane, Jason, Richard, and Josh.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, March 18, 2022, at 10:00 AM CST at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Visitation will also be on Friday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM CST at the Emmons-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Burial will be in the Lawrenceville City Cemetery, with military rites.

Howard was an extraordinarily caring man, an avid animal lover. His English Bulldog, Gracie, named after his mother, never left his side.  

Memorial donations may be given to the ASPCA or the ALS Foundation in honor of his wife, Shirley.

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