Robert Protherough

August 18, 1943 Spokesman-Review

Marine Officer Killed in Crash

Lieut. Robert Protherough of Orchard Avenue Wed Last Month

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Lt. Robert Protherough

Lieutenant Robert Protherough was killed yesterday when his training plane crashed, according to a war department announcement through the Associated Press. Lieutenant Protherough was a marine corps reserve pilot and instructor at the naval air station in New Orleans, La.

He received his commission and wings at Corpus Christi last month, after which he came to Spokane on leave to marry Miss Betty Rankin, who went to New Orleans with him. Lieutenant Protherough was graduated from West Valley high school and attended Spokane Junior college [later merged with Whitworth] where he was president of the associated students. [Betty Rankin taught second grade at Reardan between 1940 and 1943.]

Prominent in radio and dramatic work, he was graduated from Washington State college. He joined the navy air force in June 1942, and took his initial training at St. Mary's college, later going to Pasco naval air station before he finished at Corpus Christi, where he was transferred into the marine corps.

His parents, Mr. and Mrs. George A. Protherough, live at Orchard Avenue. Mr. Protherough is a pressman for the Spokesman-Review.

Aviation Machinist's Mate First Class George J. Mire of New Orleans, flying with Protherough, was also reported killed in the crash.

August 26, 1943 Davenport Times-Tribune

Attend Marine Officer's Burial

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Lt. Robert Protherough

Funeral services were held in Spokane Monday from the Smith Funeral home for Lieutenant Robert Protherough, marine officer, who was killed last Tuesday when his training plane crashed at the New Orleans, La. He received his commission and wings at Corpus Christi last month and was a marine corps reserve pilot and instructor at the naval air station in New Orleans. A month ago Lieutenant Protherough was married to Miss Betty Rankin of Spokane, a former teacher here for several years. His home was at Orchard Avenue [Spokane].

Robert attended the old Spokane Junior College which was subsequently merged with Whitworth College.

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Lt. Robert Protherough memorial Spokane

Besides his wife, he is survived by his parents. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Protherough, and one sister, Phyllis, all at the home.

Those attending the funeral from here were Mrs. George J. Hein, Mrs. Charles Garber, Mrs. G. B. Woods, Mrs. John Brommer and Mrs. O. E. Mahrt.