J.D. Trotter

Bivins TX ~ JD Trotter, 93, began eternity in the presence of Jesus on December 14, 2017 in Bivins.

Graveside service is 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2017 at Aurora Cemetery in Aurora. Family will receive friends 3-5 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Dwight Trotter and Burch Wallace will officiate.

JD was born on October 26, 1924 to Delmar and Josephine (Kelley) Trotter in Coleman County, Texas.

Through a lifetime of selfless service that began in 1943 with his enlistment in the United States Navy, JD lived as though Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” was written as an open letter to himself. He served courageously, faithfully, selflessly. Though one need not be told to conclude as much, he can oft be quoted as saying that “service to others was the reason he drew breath each morning and the purpose that drove him each day”.

As a young man he earned The Presidential Unit Citation, A Sear Service Deployment Ribbon, the Navy Overseas Service Ribbon, The World War II Victory Medal, The Asian Pacific Campaign Medal, The American Campaign Service medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon for his courageous service during World War II on the USS Aaron Ward including the rescue of his fellow seaman after the destruction of the destroyer by kamikaze pilots off the coast of Okinawa. As he faithfully followed orders that flew in the face of human instinct for self-preservation, he faced with great courage and steadfastness of mind and heart what broke those around him. He refused to abandon ship and was responsible for the rescue of untold numbers of his fellow servicemen from the Pacific Ocean. Though too humble to acknowledge his own inclusion into the ranks of those who made the Greatest Generation a treasured part of every American’s heritage, he lived a life worthy of his honor long after his enlistment in the Navy ended in 1945.

He was faithfully employed for 27 years until retirement from Bell Helicopter where he worked as an aircraft assembler.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Lou (Sammy) Jeffrey Trotter and Christine Brewer Trotter; his children, Cecil Brennan Trotter and Candice Pierce.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Rebecca Rheid Rice of Fort Worth; numerous children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all for whom he cared tenderly, served faithfully, and loved unconditionally, along with many other family members and a host of friends.

Hawkins Funeral Home, Bridgeport, Texas, 940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhomes.com 

 Service Information