Robert Procter Obituary

Dr. Robert ("Bob") Procter, age 91, died peacefully at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas on June 20, 2019, with his beloved dog, Zach, at his side.

Bob was born March 26, 1928 in Washington, D.C., the son of Basil N. Procter and Ruth M. Procter. The family lived near various Naval bases and later settled in rural Reading VT, where Bob attended a one-room school.

After discharge from the Army following service in WWII and the Korean War, Bob earned a PhD in Psychology from the University of Florida in 1962. He began his distinguished career as a clinical psychologist at Topeka State Hospital and Menninger Clinic, developed a private practice in Topeka, and later served as Clinical Director of the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center. In addition to counseling patients and families, he derived great pleasure from teaching undergraduate and graduate psychology courses at Washburn University.

He was an avid sailor and racer at the Lake Shawnee Yacht Club, owning eight sailboats over his lifetime. He also loved dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers, and dancing. He was an enthusiastic member of the Endacott Society at Kansas University and participated in many of their activities.

He was a member of both the Kansas and American Psychological Associations as well as the American Legion and VFW. He was a member of St. David's Episcopal Church in Topeka for over 50 years as well as a member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral, Topeka, and of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence.

He is survived by a niece, Abi Sessions, and nephews Mark Procter and Stephen Procter, all of whom reside in Vermont, two ex-wives, Carolyn Lewis and Charlotte Hardy, and his dog, Zach. He was predeceased by a brother, Clifford.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence on Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to NPR station KANU or your local Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jun. 26, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

I will always remember Dr. Procter fondly. He worked tirelessly when I was hospitalized with depression in 1989. The work he did then and after saved my life. I pray that he is resting with our savior now.

Sid Hoobler

July 11, 2019

Bob was a wonderful, kind, and interesting person. He saved my life, too. May he rest in peace.

Angela McDaniel

July 7, 2019

I first met Bob circa 1970, at a pond where I was fishing, and he was training Bess, his black Lab. A very kind man. Later on, he became friends with my folks, and came to visit a number of times. I remember crewing for him once or twice as a teenager, on a C-scow, I believe. A wonderful human being. Rest in peace, Bob.

john swift

June 27, 2019

I've known Bob since 1976. He was a good man and a good therapist. He saved my life. Thanks, Bob; I will miss you greatly!
Richard

Richard Botkin

June 27, 2019

I have fond memories of Bob from the Dog Park in Lawrence. I loved his pup Zach. Bob would sit under the Hedge apple tree with a bike helmet on so that the Hedge Apples wouldn't fall on his head. LOL! I really enjoyed talking to him. May he finally be pain free.

Tammie Bryant

June 26, 2019

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Memorial Events
for Robert Procter

Jul

13

Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church

Lawrence , KS 66044

Funeral services provided by:

Warren-McElwain Mortuary Lawrence Chapel

120 West 13th, Lawrence, KS 66044

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