Timothy James Prost

Tim graduated from Althoff High School in 1966, then joined the Army. He later obtained an Associate’s degree in applied sciences in aviation technology from SWIC and a Bachelor’s of Science in management and human resources from Park University. Tim worked as a helicopter mechanic and pilot in the US Army & Army Reserve, from which he retired after 22 years. He continued to work in aviation as a civil servant for 34 years and proudly helped with Apache helicopter development.

Tim was extremely generous with his time and his gifts; he donated several items to the Perryville Military Museum, he volunteered for the Red Cross and the Huntsville Area Humane Society, and he gifted many carvings, paintings, and other homemade crafts to his loved ones.

Tim was incredibly active; he enjoyed walking and was part of several walking clubs: The Illinois Trekkers, St. Louis Walkers, and the Gateway Milers. He loved to golf and partook in an annual golfing trip with his friends. He also enjoyed traveling, camping, and creating art. He was a gifted painter, wood worker, and furniture maker who was a member of the Gateway East Artists Guild (GEAG) and attended several watercolor painting workshops around the globe. He was a member of several other organizations including the American Legion of Collinsville, the Vietnam Veterans Association (of which he was formerly the treasurer in Belleville), the VFW, and NARFE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elvin and Edna (nee Basler) Prost, and his sisters-in-law, Mary Prost, Angie Prost, and Debbie Prost.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 50 years, Diane (nee Bender) Prost; daughter, Valerie (Joel) Vickery; grandchildren, Joshua Vickery and Alaina Vickery; stepmother, Betty (nee Marcinkowska) Prost; brothers, Francis “Joe” Prost, Bill (Edie) Prost, Tom (Nicole) Prost, Dave Prost, Don Prost, and John Prost; sisters, Catherine “Tas” (Jim) Siegel, Patty (Ron) Trujillo, and Marie (Matt) Shellenberg; aunt, Rita Rhodes; plus numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Tim was an incredibly intelligent, generous, hardworking, kind, and loving man who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, officiated by his nephew, Ret. Col. Chaplain Steve Prost. Military honors to be rendered graveside at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society, Disabled American Veterans “DAV”, or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Tim’s charitable nature.