Joseph M. Prouse III, 82, passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2025, surrounded by his family in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on June 29, 1943, in Wichita to Joseph and Mary Prouse.

Joe had a lifelong passion for motorcycles. He began amateur road racing in 1964 and continued racing until the age of 70. He could talk to anyone about bikes or airplanes and loved connecting over shared interests. He was also an avid runner and could often be seen running his route through his neighborhood in West Wichita.

Joe spent his career in Wichita's aircraft industry. He began as a tool and die maker and later became an engineer, working for several major manufacturers and retiring from Learjet and Airbus. Even after he could no longer ride, Joe remained active—building detailed models of motorcycles, cars, and airplanes, and collecting anything that sparked his interest. He was curious, inventive, and always had a project underway.

In 1962, Joe married the love of his life, Shirley Cook, at Woodlawn Christian Church in Wichita. They shared over six decades of life together.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Rick Prouse.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Robin Neas, and her husband Brent; son, Scott Prouse, and his wife Teri; four grandchildren—Bryanna, Brian, Becky, and Brandon; and three great-grandchildren—Eron, Arya, and Renlee.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N Meridian Ave, Wichita, Kansas.

Memorial donations may be made to Riverlawn Christian Church.