Lawrence A. “Lon” Proffitt, of Hays, age 74, passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the Las Colinas Medical Center in Irving, Texas. He was born June 15, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri to Joseph Martin and Marjorie (Finlay) Chiri- Proffitt. He married Shirley Ann (Bollig) on October 13, 1962 at Liebenthal, Kansas.

He was an auto-diesel mechanic, fabricator and worked part time at The Auman Company. He was a veteran of the U S Navy. He lived in Russell for 32 years, moved to Ypsilanti, MI for 11 years, retired in 2012 and moved to Hays. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Hays, Russell American Legion, Russell 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council #3034 and 4th Degree Assembly. He was a past Grand Knight and Past Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus and a past member of the Russell County Rural Fire Department. Lon developed a passion for reading later in life, enjoyed watching movies and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Proffitt, of the home; five sons, Charles Proffitt and wife, Melissa, Denver, CO; Joseph Proffitt and wife, Tammy, LaCrosse, KS; David Proffitt and James Proffitt and wife, Tatjana, all of Irving, TX; Jacob Proffitt and wife, Shanda, Hays, KS; two daughters, Laura Forslund and husband, Andrew, Oakley, KS; Mary Hoisington and husband, Matthew, Great Bend, KS; one brother, Joel Chiri, Lady Smith, British Columbia, Canada; one sister, Patricia Seaman, Joplin, MO; 15 Grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his step father, Benjamin Proffitt.

Service are 10:30 A.M. Friday, October 7, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Liebenthal, Kansas. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery Liebenthal, Kansas with military honors by the Hays V.F.W. Post No. 9076.

A vigil service is at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, followed by a 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, all at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, at the mortuary.

Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Friday, at St. Joseph Catholic Church Liebenthal, Kansas.

Memorial to St. Joseph Church or St. Joseph Cemetery Liebenthal, Kansas.

Condolences can be left by guestbook at www.keithleyfunerlchapels.com or via e-mail to [email protected] .