Harold Francis Prough

Harold Francis Prough was born April 28, 1926 to Harry and Birdella Prough in their home in rural Russell, Iowa.  Harold was the youngest of five children.  He attended rural schools through the eighth grade then went to Russell High School. 

Harold enlisted in the Navy at the age of seventeen during World War II and served in the Asian Pacific Theater aboard the USSLCS (L) 35 (landing craft support) as a motor machinist mate first class.  He took part in the battles of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Leyte, Saipan and others. 

Upon returning to the states, he married the love of his life and best friend, Daphen Lucille Wilson, on March 21, 1946, They enjoyed 74 years of married life together.  He was honorably discharged in July of 1946.  The couple spent the first three years of their marriage in Greeley, Colorado and Twin Falls, Idaho before returning to Iowa.  They are the parents of four children, Terry Wayne, Penny Marie, Lynford Francis and Julie Ann.

Harold ran a blacksmith welding repair shop in Moravia for twelve years, then worked for Iowa Southern Utilities in the Moravia, Centerville district before being transferred to Newton, Iowa.  After retiring the couple moved back to Chariton.

Harold enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and especially spending time with his wife, four children, nine grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

He was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, fifty year member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion and Veteran of Foreign Wars.

Harold passed away March 23, 2020 at home with his wife Daphen by his side.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Della Prough; parents-in-law, Ted and Arlie Wilson; son Lenny Prough, granddaughter Cory Lewis and great-granddaughter Lita Rowley; brothers Merlin (Mildred) Prough; Harry Jr. (Ethel) Prough; sisters Haloise (Evan) Olson; Opal (Ellis) Goalsby; sister-in-law Mildred (Dean) Coles.  Left to mourn his passing is his loving wife Daphen, his beloved children, Terry Prough, Penny Rowley, Julie Lewis, grandchildren Jennifer Howell, Christian (Naomi) Rowley, Jessica Prough, Caleb Prough, Travis (Rachel) Lewis, Trent (Jennifer) Lewis, Troy (Andrea) Lewis, Lindsey (Jake Fredrich) Lewis and twenty-six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  Memorial may be made to the First United Methodist Church.  On line condolences may be made to www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.

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