John Proffitt

YOUNGSTOWN - John B. Proffitt left this world June 27, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on April 13,1939 to Evert J. Proffitt, Jr. and Erma Linville Proffitt in Lyons, KS. John spent his youth on the family farm in Chase, KS and was active in 4-H while growing up.

  After graduation from Chase High School, John worked in the oilfields and worked with his father on the family farm. However, he decided to make the move to Wichita, KS to be with his then fiancé and high school sweetheart Sharon Kay Pearce Proffitt. He got a job as a janitor at KTVH- TV and that started his interest in broadcasting. He attended Wichita State University where he received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree. After graduation he continued working at KTVH as a director, producer and finally a program manager.

  He left KTVH in the early 70’s and through out the next two (2) plus decades worked for KCMO (kna as KCTV)– Kansas City, KS (Meredith Broadcasting); KENS – TV – San Antonio, TX (Harte-Hanks Broadcasting); KWGN -TV, Denver, CO (Tribune Co.); KERO-TV, Bakersfield, CA, (McGraw-Hill Broadcasting, WRTV-TV, Indianapolis, IN (McGraw-Hill Broadcasting) and finally ending up at KMGH-TV, Denver, CO (McGraw-Hill Broadcasting).

 John was always an active member in communities that he lived in. He was appointed Chairman of the Kansas Public Television Network; Served on the Executive Committee and was an active member of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce while in Bakersfield, CA, Indianapolis, IN and Denver, CO. While in Indianapolis he was awarded the State of Indiana – Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash. This honor is awarded to an Indiana citizen who has rendered distinguished service to the State or to the Governor.

  During his time in Denver, he also served as the Interim Executive Director and Chairman of the Board for the Denver Botanical Gardens. He was also honored with having a plant named after him. It is known as the John Proffitt Delosperma Table Mountain Ice Plant. He also served as past chairman for the Denver Mile High Red Cross, the Visit Denver Board and the Denver Center of the Performing Arts.

 Upon his retirement in the late 90’s, he and Sharon decided to slow things down and moved to Bozeman, MT in order to spend more time traveling, fishing, skiing and more importantly spend time with their two (2) daughters and their families. Nothing made them happier than to be able to spend a month each summer with their four (4) grandchildren. However, the winters in Montana got a bit much, so they moved to Las Vegas, to winter there and then back to Montana to enjoy the summers.

 However, all wonderful things sometimes come to an end and John and Sharon returned to Denver so Sharon could receive treatment for ALS. She sadly lost her battle in January of 2007.

 John was lost without his companion of 46+ years. But as luck would have it, another wonderful woman came into his life. Lana Evelyn Barker came into his life and brought him back to the living. They travelled to many international and exotic locations as well as spending time with their blended families. Unfortunately, in 2017, John lost his second love. But with the help of his girls and their families and especially all the grandchildren, he was able to start enjoying life again. However, tragedy struck again when he lost his youngest daughter Melissa unexpectedly in 2019.

 He spent the last few years spending time with all the families, and going to Alaska each year and spending time at Crystal Creek in King Salmon, AK to fly fish with wonderful guides. While his travels slowed down, he was able to reflect on the fact that he had been able to visit all seven (7) continents.

  John spent the last few months in Youngstown, OH to be closer to his oldest daughter Michelle. He was able to see all of his grandchildren and great-children before his passing. His family was his life.

 His passing has left a huge void in his family. He will be missed but always cherished by his daughter Michelle R. Hoff (Raymond); grand children , Nicole A. Hoff Kabuya (Edo), Bryce P. Hoff, Jonathan D. Hernandez (Conni) and Sarah K. Riley (Tyler). He also leaves behind 5 great- grand children, Malaika A. Hoff-Kabuya, Alec E. Hernandez, Joseph P. Hernandez, Lucia Ava Kay Hernandez and Aiden T. Riley. He also leaves a bonus family to cherish his memory, Becky Bittner (Jim), Kelly Mandavia (Sujal), and grandchildren, Alex Bittner, Katie Bittner, Ryan Bittner, Brayden Mandavai, James Mandavia and Lila Mandavia.

 He is preceded in death by his lady loves, Sharon K. Proffitt (2007), Lana E. Proffitt (2017), his daughter Melissa K. Chenault (2019), his parents, Evert J. Proffitt, Jr. (1988) and Erma F. Proffitt 2007.

 There will be no services for John. The families will be holding private gatherings to celebrate his life. 

Any donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to the Denver Botanical Gardens.