Vernon "Skip" Prostler

Vernon “Skip” Prostler, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away on July 12, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas. Born on February 15, 1941, in Johnstown New York, Skip lived a life of integrity, marked by service to his community and commitment to his family and friends.

Skip graduated from Catskill High School in 1959 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps the following year. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, Skip spent several years as an over the road truck driver before beginning a successful and fulfilling career with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) in 1969. During his tenure on the patrol, Skip rose from the rank of Sergeant to Captain, holding many roles ranging from patrolman to overseeing capitol area security in Topeka. Skip also oversaw the patrol’s airborne law enforcement program, during which time he trained to become a pilot with his close friend and colleague Marvin Miller.

Also during his time on the KHP, in 1983, Skip attended the FBI’s National Academy, a prestigious program for law enforcement officers. In connection with his time at the National Academy, Skip earned a certificate in criminal justice education from the University of Virginia. Skip retired from the KHP in 1990.

Post-retirement, Skip embarked on a new career in teaching. He developed hazardous material transportation curriculums and taught OSHA regulations to propane companies in several western states. In addition, Skip taught commercial driver’s license classes and trained and tested drivers.

Though law enforcement was his calling, Skip’s true passion in life was playing golf and he enjoyed many rounds at a wide variety of golf courses across the country. Skip was also a voracious reader and had a huge library of books to prove it. Though he could sometimes appear reserved to strangers, to his friends, family and especially his beloved dog Hollywood, Skip was a kind and loving man who would do anything for those he loved through numerous quiet acts of service, both big and small.

Skip will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Cheryl Prostler, whom he married on June 25, 1982, after their meeting several years earlier during an accident Skip worked in Kansas City. Their life together was one of a blended family, hard work, dedication, and commitment to one another, a shared love of family and friends, and faith in God. Skip is also survived by his son, Christopher Prostler, daughters Joelle (John) Miller, Sarah (Dexter) Sunday. Skip’s legacy will live on in his much-loved grandchildren, Christopher Joseph “CJ” Prostler, Makenna Miller, and Kinsley Miller.

Skip will also be remembered by the countless people whose lives he touched from the patrolmen and women with whom he served, the many people he brought to safety after accidents, the church members who rode the bus he drove to services, his students, golfing partners, neighbors, and many more.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmit and Edith Grobe, as well as his sisters Eleanor Roller, Doris Hutson, Nola Valachovic, Jane Jankovic, Jean Glennon, and his brother Keith Prostler.

Skip leaves behind a community and family made better by his presence. Though he has left us, the family, friendships, love, and memories Skip helped to create will endure.

The family will greet friends starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Parker-Price & Davidson, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS 66608 with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Midland Care 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to Capital City Church, PO Box 751261, Topeka, KS 66675.