Obituary of Michael James Proctor

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Michael J. Proctor, United States Army, passed away quietly in his sleep on September 22, 2022, in Colwich, Kansas, where he had been residing since March 2021.   He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 2, 1937 to the late James and Giovanna Giordano Proctor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son Michael Jude Proctor.

LTC Proctor is survived by his wife Bernice C. (née Shea) and his children, Lt Col (Ret) Dr. Denise M. Proctor, USAF, and spouse Col (Ret) Michael J. Underkofler, USAF; Joyce M. White and spouse Jeff White; and Mary Patricia Proctor-Smith and spouse MSG (Ret) Edwin Andrew (Andy) Smith, USA. He is also survived by grandchildren Jake Underkofler, Will Underkofler, Ashley White Howell and spouse Sheldon Howell, Sydnea White, Austin White, Shea Smith, and LT Nolan Smith, USN.  Additionally, he has two great-grandchildren, Scout and Banx Howell.  

LTC Proctor was educated in Philadelphia’s parochial schools graduating from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in 1955. At age 14 he met the love of his life, Bernice, who graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Girls. They married after LTC Proctor graduated from LaSalle University in 1959.

Commissioned in the United States Army upon his college graduation, LTC Proctor became a Field Artillery Officer with assignments in the United States, West Germany, Korea, and Vietnam where he served two combat tours. He was a graduate of many military schools including the prestigious Army Command and General Staff College. No matter where he served, his soldiers and their well-being were his highest priority. He and his family routinely joined young soldiers at morale events and often in the Mess Hall to share a meal and fellowship.

This warrior was the recipient of many awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with numerous devices for each. LTC Proctor also earned the prestigious USA Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). After 26 years of active service, LTC Proctor retired in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he built a successful security consulting and gun safety training business. 

LTC Proctor was a true patriot. He loved the Army, the American flag, the great outdoors, seeing Pikes Peak every day, and big game hunting. He also contributed his time to many organizations, including The Boy Scouts of America where he was an Eagle Scout and a member of several other orders; his church; several disaster preparedness organizations; and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 8:30AM to 10:30AM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE, Berlin NJ 08009. Funeral Liturgy 10:30AM at the funeral home, followed by LTC Proctor being laid to rest with full military honors in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to veteran service organizations. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.