Paul Pryor, Palm Desert, Calif.

Paul Pryor, 85, Palm Desert, Calif., died on Friday, May 15, 2009, of complications following a stroke.

Private services with full military honors will be on Tuesday at National Cemetery, Riverside, Calif.

Arrangements are under the direction of Trident Society of California.

He was born on March 20, 1924, in Sioux Falls to Thomas and Matilda (Johnson) Pryor.

He grew up in Mitchell and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion.

He served as a tank driver in France and Germany for three years during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.

He was a dedicated educator and writer.

He married Ilona Marija Ozols.

He is survived by his wife, a son, Lt. Col. Paul R. and wife Karen, Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va.; a daughter, Maria Gunther and husband Kurt, Riverside, Calif.; two grandchildren, a brother, Nick Antinori, Chicago; a sister-in-law, Anita Alcaraz and husband George; and two nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a favorite charity for animal causes.

Tags: paul pryor, palm desert, obituaries

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