Joseph L. “Joe” Prouty was born December 11, 1950, in Mitchell, South Dakota, the son of Donald and Janet (Olsen) Prouty. He grew up on a farm near Alexandria. He received his education in a rural school and later in Alexandria.
He entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. After his honorable discharge, he moved to Wheatland, Wyoming. It was there he met Shelley Jones. They were united in marriage and to this union were born three children: Joe, Luke and Rachael. They lived in Guernsey, Wyoming where he worked in an iron ore mine. He remained in Wyoming and worked as a mechanic until moving to Philip in 1987 where he worked at Philip Motor for a number of years before working at Scotchman Industries, retiring in 2000.
Joe was united in marriage to Deb Riggins on May 18, 2002, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. They made their home in Philip where Joe remained active in various activities, including running his car over curbs, swerving people off the road, varmint hunting, fishing, and recently listening to scanners. His interests included drag racing, muscle cars and listening to music. Joe was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Philip Area AARP, and was chosen as Philip's Citizen of the Month for his volunteer work.
Survivors include his wife Deb of Philip; his sons Joe Prouty and his wife Hester of Rapid City, and Luke Prouty of Palmer, Alaska; one daughter Rachael Moore and her husband Mike of Rapid City; Deb’s children Quentin Riggins and his wife Kylie of Rapid City, Cody Riggins and his wife Jasmine of Lodi, California, and Erin Hovland and her husband Miles of Milesville; 12 grandchildren, Parker, Matt, Grayson, Tim, Wes, Cody, Jr., Jack, Henry, Connor, Mackenzie, Eli, and Miley; his mother Janet Prouty of Alexandria, South Dakota; two brothers “Slim” Prouty and his wife Betty, and Tom Prouty of Alexandria; one sister Shirley Aull of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by father Donald Prouty; a sister Barb Prouty; a brother Ervin Prouty; and two brothers-in-law John Aull and “Mouse”.
Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 591 Philip, SD 57567.
A time of sharing will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, with the funeral service starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Interment with military honors will be held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Guest Book
Condolences to Joe's family. We met and had lots of fun with Joe at the car shows.
~ Darwin & Connie Hellekson
Philip (5/18/2018)
Deb and family- We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts. God bless.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland, SD (5/21/2018)
So sorry for your loss. Our Prayers and thoughts.
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
Sturgis, S.D. (5/19/2018)
Joe was not only my brother in law but also my friend. His upbeat and cheerful attitude could lift anyone’s spirits. I’ll dearly miss his stories, jokes and that special laugh. He made our family richer. Love and prayers to all of the family. Mary
~ Mary Hengstler
Sundance WY (5/24/2018)
We were so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He was fun to banter with, and seeing him out and about meant all was right in the world. Deb and family, you are on our hearts at this difficult time, as are Joe’s friends. He will be missed by many!
~ Vonda and Jason Hamill
Milesville, SD (5/19/2018)
Deb & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers. 🙏🏻
~ Mary Jo Jones
Midland SD (5/19/2018)
Deb & Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Joe will be missed by many. Reach out to family & friends at this time for comfort and a shoulder to cry on.
~ Charlie & Diane Gittings
Summerset,SD 57718 (5/20/2018)
I’m sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
~ Kassie Kukal
Kadoka (5/28/2018)
I'm am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He brought so much joy to all who knew him. He was one of a kind and always brought a smile. My little pickup now has an even deeper meaning to me now. May the Lord wrap you in his loving arms and bring you comfort and peace.
~ Nancy Haigh
Philip (5/19/2018)
Deb and Family
Joe was such an awesome guy with a smile that could brighten any day! He always had a big wave and a hello every time we saw him and he always had time to visit.
He so enjoyed giving the cop heck! I'm not sure who enjoyed that more :)
We pray that you feel the love of friends and family at this time as God holds you all very close.
We always enjoyed the popcorn tin every Christmas but more than the popcorn, the personal delivery that came with it!
Hugs and prayers to all
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas
~ Michelle Butler
Philip SD (5/25/2018)
Debbie and Family, So sorry for your loss. Joe was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Prayers for all
~ Jerry & Karen Kroetch
Philip SD (5/18/2018)
Deb & family, May God comfort your heart and fill you with peace during this difficult time.
~ Delores Suminski
Ord, NE. (5/21/2018)
Joe was my brother-in-law, having been married to my sister Shelley. Joe was very special to my heart. My thoughts and prayers and love go out to Deb and her family and to my very precious family Shelley, Joe's Luke, Rachael's. My heart hurts for all..
~ DiAnne Cozad
Apache Junction, Az (5/18/2018)
Deb, and all of Joe's loved ones:
Our hearts were heavy with this sad news of Joe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all as you grieve and miss this special guy. Loving Hugs for everyone 🙏
~ Mike and Shar Moses
Philip South Dakota (5/19/2018)
I will miss our talks so much. Thank you for making me smile. Thoughts and prayers to Joe’s family.
~ Courtney Bethel
Philip Sd (5/18/2018)
So sorry to hear about Joe, he was quite a guy, he will be missed by many. Hold on to all the wonderful memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will not be able to attend the funeral, but know our thoughts are with all of you. God bless.
~ Les & Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (5/19/2018)
Sorry to learn of Joe's passing. We both have good memories of a super nice guy. May the love of family and friends help comfort you all in the days ahead.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (5/28/2018)
Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family. So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I remember him well from my days in Phillip. He was always a super nice guy and always willing to help someone out. He was a great mechanic also
He truly will be missed by many.
~ Leslie O'Connell
Rapid City (5/18/2018)
We will miss him SO much. Our hearts go out to you and we are grieving with you. Love, the Konst Family
~ Nick, Hallie, Chevy & Memphis
Philip, SD (5/18/2018)
Thanks for serving
~ A VETERAN
(5/22/2018)
Debbie and families, so sorry to hear about Joe. He was a special friend to Ken and I . He was so helpful with metal parts for Ken’s projects. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Judy Heeb
Custer, SD (5/19/2018)
Deb and family, so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He truly was a wonderful guy.
~ Kelly Blair
Milesville (5/18/2018)
Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. Thinking of all Joe’s family at this time.
~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea
Howes, SD (5/18/2018)
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Duane always enjoyed a good laugh with him. He was " one of a kind" and we will miss that smile and sense of humor. May you find peace and comfort in the memories you hold close. Prayers to you all.
~ Duane & J'Nai Hauk
Quinn, SD (5/19/2018)