L. Wayne Prouse, 69, of Orange, died Friday, April 3, 2015, at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange with the Reverend J.B. Prouse officiating.
Visitation will be from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at the funeral home in Orange.
Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange with honors provided by the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
Born in Beaumont, Mr. Prouse was the son of Earl Edwin Prouse, Sr. and Pauline (Sargent) Prouse. He was a teacher with Orangefield ISD for 33 years and St. Mary’s School for two years. Currently he was working part time in the Orange office of Congressman Dr. Brian Babin.
Mr. Prouse was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and enjoyed participating in Civil War reenactments. He was also a member of Orange County Retired Teachers Association, Texas Horseshoe Pitchers Association, and was a past member of the Pinehurst Lion’s Club. He served on the board of directors of Orange County Historical Society and the Salvation Army of Orange.
Preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Earl Edwin Prouse, Sr. and brother, Earl Edwin Prouse, Jr., Mr. Prouse is survived by his wife, Andrea Hallberg Prouse of Orange; son and daughter-in-law, Brandon K. and Julie Prouse of Bryan; grandson, Landon Chase Prouse of Bryan; nephew, Trip Prouse and other family.
Condolences
Nicole Farley
April 8, 2015
Mr. Prouse was my all time favorite teacher. Being #1 on his top 20 list was everything to me. I don't think I ever put effort into a class like I did his. I would race to finish my tests and quizzes just so I could see his face when I got everything correct. He made me feel like I mattered as a student and a person. I'll never forget agonizing over which Bald Eagle figure to get him for Christmas. He is the first teacher that I really wanted respect from. I will never forget him for giving me that respect. He was an amazing teacher, mentor and friend. I'm sure he was an angel on earth for all the kids who learned from him and now it was time for our Angel of History to go home. I'll miss him forever.
Lanie Brown
April 7, 2015
What a fine man Wayne was - my CB - I will miss our afternoon tea and long talks. In the few months I worked with him, he taught me so much. Love and blessings to you Andee and Brandon and Landon as well. Landon, about a week before your grandpa went into the hospital he walked into my office with a picture of a handsome young man and said, "this guy right here, he is why I fight to get better - he is my reason for everything". Landon, that handsome little man was YOU!
Harvey West
April 7, 2015
I could never forget Wayne in Miss Burnaby's class. She fined students 5 cents every time anyone dropped a book on the floor. Max Phillips organized a mass drop one day when Wayne and I along with many others dropped books at the same time. Yet despite all the mischief, Wayne remained the very best of friends with Miss Burnaby, somehow. I guess it was his angelic nature.
Anonymous
April 7, 2015
Sweet Remembrance Spray was purchased for the family of L. Wayne Prouse.
Mary Mcferrin Knockaert
April 7, 2015
I will always remember Wayne for his kindness, intellect, and friendly personality. He was a very godly man and will be missed by all.
Wguidry
April 7, 2015
1 file added to the album New Album Name
Anonymous
April 6, 2015
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of L. Wayne Prouse.
Gayenell Walker
April 5, 2015
Andee and Brandon, we all are so sorry for your loss. I will miss Wayne so much, he was a wonderful brother-in-law and friend to me and a great Uncle to Skip and Robert. Gayenell (Prouse) Walker
Brandi Morrison Works
April 4, 2015
He was definitely my favorite teacher, not only in history and our country, but life as well! I was proud that I could call him a friend.
Bridget Farias Gates
April 4, 2015
My heart is broken. He was my favorite teacher and remained a friend and mentor. I will miss him.
Stephen Atkeson
April 4, 2015
I remember the connect four tournaments and when he showed us how to chuff like a cat. Good teacher, great man.
Tami Shafer
April 4, 2015
CONNECT FOUR! Mr. Prouse, I remember playing that game with you when I was brave enough or needed extra points on an assignment. You were a very intimidating opponent, but you taught me a very valuable lesson. To never give up trying, because one day you'll win the game. I won one time against you and that memory stuck. I recently seen you and your lovely wife the other day at Casa Ol'e I was the cashier. I said Checkers, because at that time I couldn't remember the name of the game. 20 plus years later I remembered you so I will never forget you. Much <3 and prayer for the Prouse Family in this time of grieving for you may have lost a great man, but his memories will live on forever in everyone he has touch through his years of teaching. GOD BLESS! Tami Murphy-Shafer
Ruby Angela Foreman Bradley
April 4, 2015
Sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and will be missed greatly.
John Holley
April 3, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the kindest teachers I ever had. Always took time to help you no matter what he was doing. If you had a question or didn't understand something he would make sure you where squared away before moving on no matter how long it took.
Kathy Young
April 3, 2015
We miss him already. Kathy Johnson Young
Holley Cahal
April 3, 2015
So sad to hear of Mr. Prouse 's passing..he was my DC sponsor at orangefield junior high and truly gave of his time and knowledge to his students..RIP
Amy Challie
April 3, 2015
This man ALWAYS had a kind word and hug for me,and helped me tremendously...he will be missed..RIP Mr Prouse.
Dana Gordy Bundy
April 3, 2015
Mr. Prouse saved my during the rough transition from West Sabine to Orangefield after my dad died. I had shut down and made my one and only F that six weeks in his class. He did not give me a fake passing grade but he listened, he cared and he was kind. He helped me pull myself together. When I went on to win debate tournaments, we would talk about how it all started with him. He was certainly a light in my life. RIP, Mr. Prouse and hugs to his family.
Jeannie Perkins
April 3, 2015
Mr. Prouse was one of the highlights of Orangefield Junior High School. He was a positive reflection of a man with integrity and honor. He developed those qualities in his students by sponsoring trips to the nation's capital. These trips included places of honor for those of our founding legacy, developing a true democracy and citizenship in the Orangefield students. He was an inclusive leader pointing to and affirming those who would come into adulthood with a posture of tolerance. He was not only a model to students but also to his peers. He was a model to me. Thank you, Mr. Prouse, and on this Good Friday, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Carolyn Williams
April 3, 2015
Wayne is in my earliest memories. Our mother's were sisters and we grew up together. He was all boy and I was a girly-girl, so he delighted when I ran from frogs he tried to hand me and I thrilled to cap guns he loaded for me. He taught me how to shoot marbles and play the card game "War". We helped his older brother, Earl Edwin, glue WWII airplane models and hang them from the ceiling of his room. We sat fluffed up with pillows in bed and suffered Chicken Pocks together, giggling and telling on each other if we scratched. He was a stinker but also my best childhood friend. I love him and his memory very much. I will miss him until we meet again.
Carol Corbin
April 3, 2015
I met Wayne briefly in October 2013 and was very impressed with his knowledge of the Civil War era. I wish I had known him better. I send my condolences to Wayne's family and friends. May you find comfort in your many memories of Wayne. Carol Corbin