Dr. Robert “Bob” Procter
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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.
I am very sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful man and I will miss him. Bless you.
Bob will be missed at Kansas Public Radio. He was always a cheerful presence during our membership drives, and we appreciate the many hours he spent volunteering with us.
Dear Abi, Mark and Stephen. I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s death and I miss him he was a good friend and a great cousin. He words were always edifying and worthwhile. He was such a lighthearted person and looked forward to his dancing and spending time with his friends and colleagues in Lawrence in later years. If you Would like to reminisce more with family history or memories please call me at 240-291-6814