A.E. "Fred" Pronger, III

A.E. “Fred” Pronger, III, 70, of Stratford, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 on the Pronger Brothers Ranch. A celebration of Fred's life is scheduled for 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, November 29, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Stratford, Texas with Pastor Jori Bucheneau and Pastor Kevin Phillips, officiating. The family will receive friends at the Fellowship Hall after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors.Fred was born on October 27, 1951, to Alfred Edward, Jr., and Jimmie (Herring) Pronger. He grew up in Stratford, graduated from high school there, then continued his education at Texas A&M. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets in Companies M1 and B1, helped to revive Parson’s Mounted Cavalry, and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor’s in Animal Husbandry. He returned to his beloved Pronger Brothers Ranch to work alongside his dad. He married the love of his life, Marsha Howard on November 20, 1976, in Amarillo, and the couple recently celebrated 45 years of marriage. They started their family with Janell in 1978 followed by Patrick in 1980. There was rarely a day that Fred did not have one or both of them in tow on the ranch counting cows, driving a tractor or on horseback. Fred was very involved in the many activities he helped them with including 4H, FFA, and Boy Scouts. The same love and support was shown to many of Janell and Patrick's friends growing up. His greatest love, however, were his grandchildren who always put a big smile on his face. Fred served the Stratford community in various roles. He was a decades-long member of the Sherman County Farm Bureau Board, served on the Rita Blanca Co-Op Board, the Texas Hereford Association and the XIT A & M Club. He also supported 4-H, FFA and the Sherman County Livestock Association. Fred was a rancher and loved everything associated with ranching and small town life. He loved visiting with people, and if he met a stranger, they didn’t stay one for long. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.E. Jr. and Jimmie Pronger, and nephew: Blaine Killian.Fred is survived by his wife, Marsha of the home; daughter: Janell Miller and husband Jason of Abernathy, TX; son: Patrick Pronger and wife Sarah of Sunray, TX; grandchildren: Landry Miller, Sydney Miller, Rance Pronger, and Grady Pronger; siblings: Jana Pronger of Stratford, TX, Jeff Pronger of Stratford, TX, David Pronger and wife Karen of Burleson, TX, and Jill Killian and husband Dr. John of Stratford, TX; numerous other extended family members.The family suggests with gratitude memorials be made to XIT A&M Club Scholarship Fund, 3000 Hip-o-Lane, Dalhart, TX 79022 or the Sherman County Farm Bureau Scholarship, Box 25, Stratford TX 79084.