Don Riley Proffitt

Funeral services for Don Riley Proffitt, 91, Pottersville, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, with Brother Wayne Stewart officiating.

Don Riley Proffitt was born on October 14, 1934, near Pottersville, Missouri, to William Hubert and Jessie Pence Proffitt, with his twin brother, Dean. He passed away on January 17, 2026 at the age of 91.  On June 14, 1964, Don and Carolyn Ann Pettyjohn were married in Hardy, Arkansas, and they shared more than 61 years of marriage. Together, they raised three children: Cathy, Greg, and Vicki.  Don received his early education at a small country school near Pottersville and in Columbia, Missouri, and graduated from West Plains High School in 1952. Don attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity and worked at the university dairy and farm. He graduated with honors in 1956, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.  Don joined the US Navy in 1957 and served as a communications officer aboard the USS Yorktown (CVS-10). He was honorably discharged in 1961 with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.  After his military service, Don returned home to the family farm near Pottersville to work with Hubert and Dean. Together they owned and operated Proffitt Farms, raising dairy and beef cattle, hogs, poultry, and sheep. They also bottled Grade A whole milk, which was sold throughout the community.  In 1976, Don and Carolyn expanded their beef cattle and swine operation and later established Proffitt-Way Fertilizer. Among Don’s most significant professional achievements was the development of a high-quality Red Angus crossbred cattle line, built carefully over many decades. During that time, they continued to be good stewards of the land, some of which has been in the family for more than 150 years.  Don was actively involved in his community, serving in church and on the boards of several organizations throughout the years. A lifelong learner, he enjoyed staying current with new farming practices and innovations. He especially valued time spent visiting with friends and neighbors, whether while feeding cattle or when they stopped by for fertilizer or farming advice. Above all, Don’s family stood at the center of what mattered most to him. His kindness, patience, strong work ethic, and generous spirit remain the most enduring legacy he leaves to his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Carolyn Proffitt; children Cathy Proffitt Boys and husband, Edward, of West Plains; Greg Proffitt, and wife, Mary Ann, of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and Vicki Proffitt of Pottersville; grandsons Dr. Nathan Boys and wife, Katelyn, of Lawrenceville, Georgia and Caleb Boys of Madison, Alabama; granddaughters Grace, Gabrielle, and Caitlin Proffitt of Waukesha, Wisconsin; sister-in-law June Proffitt of West Plains; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Perry and Gwen Proffitt, and his twin brother, Dean Proffitt.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Pottersville Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Don and Carolyn Proffitt Agriculture Scholarship at Missouri State University–West Plains or the Pottersville Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.