George William Prothro, M.D.

Dr. George Prothro died Saturday October 25th at age 93. Dr. Prothro was born December 29, 1920 in Wesson, Arkansas, to Henry Bussey Prothro and Norma Baker Prothro. He grew up in Clovis, NM and graduated from Clovis High School. He was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, and University of North Carolina College of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Prothro served in the US Navy during WWII as a physician. After the war he and his young family returned to Clovis where he opened his pediatric practice. In January 1968 he accepted the position of Director of the Tulsa City-County Health Department, a position he held for the next eleven years. After retirement from the Health Department, he served on the faculty of the University Of Oklahoma College Of Medicine in Tulsa, the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and Oral Roberts College of Medicine. He retired as Clinical Professor at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine-Tulsa in June 2001. Dr. Prothro remained active in many community health and social programs. Most importantly he was involved in securing legislation and implementation of the program now nationally recognized that recycles and makes available sealed unused medications from nursing homes to low income persons. This program has advanced and now provides over a million dollars of free medications annually. Dr. Prothro’s tenure with the Health Department was marked by the implementation of many unique programs. The Morton Health Center was opened, the first ordinance regulating ambulance service was enacted and initial air pollution regulations that banned burning household refuse in old oil drums was established. The first community disaster plan was developed and disaster exercises were conducted establishing a radio link between hospitals, ambulances, and the Health Department. The Health Department was accredited as a residency training site for Public Health Physicians as well as the training program for Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Dr. Prothro served on many local and national organizations including the National Board of the American Lung Association, the Oklahoma Delegate to the American Public Health Association, the Boards of Life Senior Services, Reaching Hands, and the Community Services Council, and as Chairman of the Committee that lead to the formation of The Long Term Care Authority. Dr. Prothro was a Life Member of the American Medical Association. He served many years as Chairman of the Council on Public and Mental Health of the Oklahoma State Medical Association. He received the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Community Service Council, the Annual Leadership Award from the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health in Oklahoma by the University Of Oklahoma College Of Public Health. Dr. Prothro was preceded in death by his first wife, Anna Lark Prothro, sister, Patsy Lucas, his son George Lark Prothro and nephew William “Billy” Cone Lucas. He is survived by his wife, Joy Sacket Prothro, daughter, Karen Heatherly, three step -sons Max, Doug, and Mark Stephens, brother in law, Bill Lucas, and daughter in law, Shirley Prothro, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Dr. Prothro had been a member of Asbury Methodist Church since moving to Tulsa in 1968. His love of travel began with first wife Anna and continued with his wife Joy, visiting more than 100 countries on 6 continents. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Memorial Service will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Asbury United Methodist Church~Mason Chapel. Moore’s Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com

George William Prothro, M.D.

December 29, 1920 - October 25, 2014