Donald H Proper

Donald H Proper, 92, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, at Graham Hospital of Canton. He was born in Bonaparte, Iowa on April 6, 1933, to Donald and Clara Proper. He graduated from Bonaparte High School. He worked at the Peoria Journal Star for thirty years.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Betty (Sprague) Proper, of 42 years. His wife of 28 years, Carol (Shover) Proper, survives him and lives in Canton. He has one son, Donald E Proper (Marcia, deceased), and three stepchildren; Cathy Hauk (deceased), Penny (David) Lee, Michael Sprague, and Lisa (Derek) Holloway. He has eight grandchildren: Cole (Michaela) Proper, Kyle (Rachel) Proper, Scott (Tiffany) Hauk, Jessica (DJ) Fouts, Eric (Terrea) Lee, Chase (Mariah) Holloway, Madeline Holloway, and Michael Sprague. He also has twelve great grandchildren.

He enjoyed photography, golfing, fishing, collecting and repairing antique clocks, and spending time with his family. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge and Moose Lodge.

The family requests no flowers and for memorials to be given to Elks Children’s Care, care of Canton Elks Lodge No. 626, 61 W Elm Street, Canton, Illinois 61520.

To celebrate Donald’s life, there will be a dinner reception for family and friends on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.