Jerry Don Proudfit

Jerry Proudfit, age 91, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. Jerry was anything but ordinary. He was a state champion pole vaulter, a Navy veteran, a devoted husband and father, a guy who could fix or build just about anything, and a lifelong jokester who loved to make people laugh. He lived a life full of adventure, service, faith, and a genuine love for people.

Jerry was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and was a lifelong resident of West Des Moines. He was the youngest—and the only boy—of four children, born to Opal and Cecil Proudfit. As a child, Jerry was shy but full of energy and a bit of a daredevil. Those traits never really left him. He grew into a man who was fearless, generous with his time, and always ready with a joke. He was known for his quick wit and playful humor.

Jerry met the love of his life, Marilyn Owen, just three blocks from where he grew up. After finishing four years in the Navy, they married and started their life together.

Jerry’s athletic ability showed up early. In 1952, he won the Class B state championship in the pole vault for Valley High School, Jerry set a state indoor record and that earned him a scholarship to Iowa State. Instead of college, Jerry chose to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

He was proud of his Navy service, honored to serve during the Korean War, and deeply moved by his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. More recently, he was honored in an interview by KCCI 8 Des Moines Sports Director Scott Reister during the Drake Relays, celebrating his athletic accomplishments and lifelong spirit.

After the Navy, Jerry worked as a barber, then served over 20 years as the West Des Moines City Clerk, Director of Central Services and City Councilman for West Des Moines, and later worked in the insurance industry until retiring at the age of 62.

Jerry flourished in retirement by helping others—through church ministry, home projects, or by being always available when someone needed his help. He truly could fix or build anything: basements, plumbing, electrical work, drywall—you name it. He never hesitated to help, and he never expected anything in return. Jerry was always curious and was always trying something new. He earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. When health issues grounded him, he found another passion—becoming proficient in building, flying and teaching others to fly in remote controlled airplanes.

He loved fishing, playing the card game pitch, and also making music. Jerry played guitar, harmonica, and the gutbucket, and somehow managed to bring laughter into everything he did. Jerry and Marilyn enjoyed dancing. After Marilyn retired at 62, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Jerry lovingly cared for her for ten years until she passed away in December 2010. Jerry continued to enjoy dancing, socializing, and being around people for as long as he could. In 2022, Jerry moved to Grand Living at Tower Place in West Des Moines to be closer to his daughter Kimberly, and later to Glen Meadows. These moves turned out to be a wonderful chapter in his life. Jerry thrived in community living—rarely alone, always socializing, especially during the Tuesday and Friday gatherings. Jerry’s life was filled with faith, service, laughter, and love. His resilience, generosity, and joy will live on in all of us and in the countless lives he touched. We will miss his laughter deeply, but we are grateful for a life so fully and generously lived. His daughter Kimberly put it best: “Everyone loved my dad. He was always willing to help out, never complained, and truly enjoyed being with people and making them laugh.”

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn Owen Proudfit. He is survived by his three children: Scott (Susan) Proudfit, Eric Proudfit, and Kimberly Barber (Brett); seven grandchildren: Angela Doty (Jake), Amanda Gibson, Emma Proudfit, Chloe Rush (Quinn), Abigail Proudfit, Stella Proudfit, and Evan Proudfit; and four great-grandchildren: Jaxon Doty, Maren Rush, Ella Rush, and Duke Rush.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. A reception will follow at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be later at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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