Kenneth Trotter

Kenneth Edward Trotter peacefully passed away on September 21, 2013, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born on March 25, 1941 in Mexia, Texas to Edward B. and Marjorie Jones Trotter. He was married for 54 years to, and is survived by, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandra Arlene Romain Trotter. Ken grew up in Tehuacana, Texas and graduated from Mexia High School in May of 1959. He married Sandra at the First Methodist Church of Tehuacana on July 17, 1959. He then attended Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas and graduated from there in January, 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, and a baby girl, Kimberly Anne. The family moved around the country several times as Ken received training to become a helicopter pilot and his second daughter, Camille Arlene, was born. In March of 1966, Ken began his first tour of duty in Vietnam. He served as a pilot in the Army's Dust Off program, flying in air ambulance rescue operations into battle and helping to save countless lives. In December of 1968, Ken began his second tour of duty in Vietnam, again flying helicopters and moving soldiers and supplies for the Army. Ken returned to the United States and served in several more positions and cities for the Army. During this time, his third daughter, Jennifer Rebecca, was born. His duties were as a high level Army officer and included leading a unit of Chinook helicopters in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany and serving as the Chief Aviation Officer at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. For his service in the Army, Ken was the recipient of numerous commendations including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Master Army Aviator Badge, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Army Aviator Badge, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Order of Military Merit. After 20 years in the Army, Ken honorably retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He embarked on a second career by working at Texas Instruments and Raytheon Company. During this time, Ken decided to return to school in his spare time and become a lawyer. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University and became a member of the Texas Bar in 1994. Ken retired once more, in 2004, and moved to Tomball, Texas to be near his family. His fondest memories were of his time spent with his wife, his daughters, his sons-in-law, and his grandchildren. He was happiest traveling with them, enjoying holidays and vacations with them, and caring for all of them. He was a kind, generous and loving friend, husband, son, brother, father and grandfather. His warm, kind spirit and his positive attitude toward life will be remembered and cherished by all who knew them. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marjorie Anne Green. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Andrew Selzman; his daughter Camille and son-in-law Robert Zachmeier; his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Jason Hafner; his five grandchildren, Amanda Goldie Selzman, Jonathan Edward Selzman, Matthew Andrew Selzman, George Edward Hafner, and Henry Jacob Hafner; his sister and brother-in-law Judy and Maurice Fife; and his brother and sister-in law, Jimmy and Martha Trotter. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, 2013, from 5 to 7 o'clock in the evening at the Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday morning, September 26, 2013, at 10 o'clock, at the First United Methodist Church in Tehuacana, Texas with Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment will follow in the Tehuacana Cemetery. Pallbearers are James Trotter, Maurice Fife, Don Green, Don Barranco, Andrew Selzman, Robert Zachmeier, and Jason Hafner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to be the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ALS Support and Research, P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ, 85062-8960.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home

Service Information

Thursday, September 26th, 2013 10:00am, First United Methodist Church-Tehuacana