Clyde J. Proulx

PROULX – Clyde J. Proulx aged 86 of Grand Rapids passed away November 21 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife Laura Lelivelt Proulx; parents William and Lucy Proulx; brother Richard Proulx; mother-in-law and father-in-law Lauretta and Joseph Lelivelt. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Emma Madden Proulx; children Greg (Kathy) Proulx Mark (Jana) Proulx Gordon (Sheri) Proulx Kathleen (Dave) Fagre Doug (Laurie) Proulx John Jack (Lori) Proulx Lauretta Proulx; 7 stepchildren and spouses; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law John D. Jack (Peg) Lelivelt and Doris (Ray) Kyro; several nieces and nephews. Clyde was a musician his entire life. He joined a professional jazz band as the bass player while still in high school. He traveled throughout the midwest with them sending his homework back for teacher approval before moving on to the next city. Prior to World War II he played professionally with the Clyde McCoy big band as well as with the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra in Wisconsin. He continued to play guitar and bass with bands well into his 80s and was the leader of the local swing band The Socialaires. During World War II Clyde was a proud member of the Army Air Corps earning many medals. He was stationed in Iwo Jima as a pilot during World War II flying a P-47N Thunderbolt. He named his plane the Bald Eagle. He flew the second-longest mission in a fighter plane in World War II history: 9 hours and 10 minutes. He and his squadron were part of a large contingent to fly overheard as the signing of the surrender of the Japanese on the U.S.S. Missouri took place below. After the war he continued to fly for pleasure for many years. He received his bachelors degree from Marquette University in Mechanical Engineering and retired from Thierica Inc. as a senior process engineer. The family wishes to express special thanks to Faith Hospice Father Mark Przybysz and Pastor Ness at Covenant Village for their compassionate care. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday at St. Stephen Church 750 Gladstone SE. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. The Vigil service with Rosary will be at 7:30 PM at the funeral home. Visitation 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of ones choice.