Judge Roger M. Prokes, who has served Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties since January 1, 2001, has announced his retirement as Presiding/Circuit Judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit of Missouri. Judge Prokes will be retiring at the end of business day, November 9, 2021. In a letter to Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Missouri Chief Justice Paul Wilson, Prokes stated, “This decision is driven by my turning 70 years of age on the following day.” State law requires judges to leave the bench at the age of 70.

Prokes went on to say, “It has been a true joy and honor to serve the State of Missouri, the Judiciary, and particularly, the fine people of Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth counties. I firmly believe that we are all put on earth to help each other. My time with the court placed me in a special position to attempt to carry out that mission. I pray I was successful. My best to all, especially the voters of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, who allowed me to serve.”

Judge Prokes also served on the State of Missouri’s Judicial Finance Commission and practiced law for nearly 25 years prior to his election to the Circuit Court. Judge Prokes was formerly an associate and adjunct professor at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. He received his J.D. and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nebraska. Judge Prokes was recently honored with the Hon. Theodore McMillian Judicial Excellence Award. The award is “bestowed each year upon judges who set an example of judicial excellence by leadership in the advancement of justice, provide outstanding public and community service to the people of Missouri, and who are persons of the highest character, integrity and honor who inspire other members of the judiciary to similar noble purpose.”