William Maurice Prout
Born: April 7th, 1938
Died: November 6th, 2016
Obituary
Obituary for William Maurice Prout
William Maurice Prout was born April 7, 1938 in Tulare, Ca., to parents Maurice and Kathleen Prout. Bill graduated from Junipero Memorial High School in Monterey, Ca. in 1956. He completed his Associates Degree through Coalinga College in 1959. Bill married the love of his life, Cathy (Della Santa) Prout on February 11, 1961 at St. Anthonys Catholic Church in Fresno, CA.
Always active in a variety of community and church activities, including playing Santa Claus not only for his family… but at events in the town of Shafter which he loved. Bill Prout dedicated his life to public service and was involved in many civic functions. He was happy to contribute his time and energy for worthwhile causes in the community. Bill had a distinguished 30 year career with the California Highway Patrol, as well as 33 years of service through active reserve status with the Air National Guard. He was a current member of the Kern County Cemetery District Board of Directors, current chair of the Kern County Mosquito and Vector Control District, and served many years on the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation Board. Bill supported his wife Cathy and was very instrumental in making the 2013 Shafter Centennial Celebration a success.
Bill and his wife Cathy were avid travelers and spent many adventures together with dear friends. Their travels took them to Italy, Europe, Switzerland, Canada and Christmas trips to Hawaii to be with family. Bill just enjoyed getting to know the folks that he met because he was a social man, always sharing a one liner or taking time to chat about your day. He loved people and was dearly loved by many. He was a loving husband to Cathy, loving father to Daryl and loving Papa to Meghan and Brad. He really enjoyed life and everyday was a gift.
Bill had just returned this past week from a fun cruise with his wife Cathy and some dear friends along the California Coastline. Upon their return Bill passed away peacefully at a friends residence in Oceano, Ca., following a history of heart disease. He has begun his next adventure and we know he is meeting many new people and enjoying every minute of it. Bill leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Cathy Prout; his son, Daryl Prout and wife Vicky; along with grandchildren, Meghan Prout and Brad Prout; and step-siblings, Marty Wagner and Valarie Prestige. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Kathleen Prout; and his step-sister, Cathy Williams.
A viewing will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 4-8pm. Rosary Prayer will begin at 9:30am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bakersfield on Friday, November 11, 2016. Mass will begin at 10am, Msgr. Craig Harrison will officiate the services. A delayed interment will take place at 3:00pm at Shafter Memorial Park. If you would prefer to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers please send your donation to the Shafter Community Chest or the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.