Final Salute

Verlin Leroy Proctor, 77, of Ottumwa, died at 3:44 a.m. October 18, 2025 at Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa.

He was born October 7, 1948 in Ottumwa to Lafe and Doris Bailey Proctor. He married Barbara Lou Allen June 22, 1974 and she preceded him in death August 5, 2022.

A 1967 graduate of Ottumwa High School, he served in the U.S. Navy from January of 1969 till December of 1972. He was a mechanic in the Seabees during the Vietnam War. Returning to Ottumwa, he worked 47 years at John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 2020.

Verlin was a member of UAW Local #47. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his kids as well as pheasant hunting each fall. He also enjoyed spending time tinkering and fixing cars.

Surviving are his children, Marc (Amber) Proctor of Fremont, Jenni Proctor (DJ Hicks) of Marion, Eli (Karsten) Reynolds of Ottumwa; 3 grandsons Adam (Emily) Proctor, Clancy Proctor, and Emil Proctor; two great grandchildren, Karter and Kacen; a brother, Robert (Lynn) Proctor of Muscatine; two sisters, Donna (John) Hindman of The Villages, FL and Carletta (Randy) Creek of Agency.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Joseph Allen “Mario“ Proctor.

Visitation will begin 11 a.m. Tuesday October 21st at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Cremation will follow the visitation.

Private inurnment will be in Friends Cemetery, New Sharon.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.