Paul Emerson Pryor

Paul Emerson Pryor passed away June 10, 2013 at the age of 98. He was born January 6, 1915, the second of five children of Elmer and Marietta (Howell) Pryor, shortly after his parents returned from Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada in December of 1914. At birth the doctor said there was only one thing wrong with him; he had “made in Canada” stamped on his rear. He grew up on a farm in the Delhi Township area. He graduated from Central High School where he played tuba and trombone. As a young man he joined his brothers, Howell, Luther, and Bruce in playing religious music at various churches. His beautiful silver trombone was his pride and joy, and he continued to play it for his own and family enjoyment for many years. It was at one of the church performances that he first met Arlene Avis Abel whom he later married on July 1, 1939. Arlene and Paul were blessed with four children whom they raised in Grand Ledge. They celebrated 71 years of married life before Arlene passed away in 2010. Also preceding him in death were his son, Lawrence, and son-in-law Ronald Latourette, two brothers - Howell and Luther, and sister Phyllis. Surviving relatives include sons Ronald (Jane) Pryor, Richard Pryor, and daughter Bonnie Latourette, grandchildren: Karen (Bill) Hunt, Carol Howery, Chris (Heather) Pryor, Steven (Abigail) Pryor, Douglas Pryor, Scott Pryor, Jeannine Pryor, Emily (Alfredo) Echeveria, Ryan (Carrie) Latourette, and Matthew Latourette, 18 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. His younger brother, Dr. Robert B. Pryor of Hastings and many nieces and nephews also survive him. Paul was a truck driver, hauling brick and later steel. He received awards for his safe driving and also had his contribution to the war effort here at home acknowledged. He was on the road nearly constantly during WWII delivering steel to the companies manufacturing equipment for the soldiers overseas. Later he worked in the family redimix / gravel business. Paul was a talented man who loved his family, music, photography, camping, and rocks. His prized rock was featured in the Detroit Free Press during Michigan week as the interior of the rock had a very accurate silhouette of the lower peninsula. He had a fantastic understanding and knowledge of mechanical things, especially engines and could diagnose and fix just about anything that had to do with trucks or cars. He could and did build whatever was needed as long as he could make it out of metal. He was known for his honestly, his story telling (especially of trucking experiences), his hermit and sour cream cookies, homemade pizza, and roasted popcorn which were eagerly devoured by friends and family alike, and his great sense of humor. He would begin laughing before he even got to the punch line. Paul will be sorely missed but has joined his beloved wife and his Lord in a much better place. Paul will be laid to rest in a graveside service at Rose Cemetery in Bath Township, Clinton County, Michigan on Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at 2pm. Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice Advantage, 801 S. Waverly Road, Suite 304, Lansing, Michigan 48917.

Paul Emerson Pryor

January 6, 1915 - June 10, 2013