William Roy Troutman, 90, son of Hubert Claude and Kate (Gobble) Troutman, was born Feb. 27, 1919, on the family farm west of Raymondville, Mo. He passed away Dec. 20, 2009, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Mo.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, James Wesley, Glen Darwin and Raymond Edward.
He is survived by his wife and partner of 64 years, Norma Leona (Weppner) Troutman of Houston; a brother, Wayne Troutman of Massachusetts; a sister, Serene Elliott of Washington; a half-sister, Myra Meredith of Colorado; a sister-in-law, Lois Troutman of Raymondville; a daughter, Mary Hedspeth and husband, David, of Van Buren; twin sons, Donald Ray and Ronald Roy and wife, Linda, of Houston; five grandchildren, Tyson Troutman, Tanya (Troutman) Miller and husband, Donnie, of Houston, Curtis Ray Hedspeth and wife, Samantha, and Cecile Renee Morelan of Poplar Bluff and Cameron Roy Hedspeth of Van Buren; five great-grandchildren, Dylan Williams, Damien Hedspeth and Brian Hedspeth of Van Buren, Trey Miller of Houston and Zoe Cochran of Poplar Bluff; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Roy is also survived by his church family at Central Baptist Church.
Roy grew up in the Houston area and attended Houston Grade School. After his mother’s death in spring of 1941, a great deal of responsibility was placed upon him to help raise his younger siblings.
Roy was drafted into the Army during World War II and received a medical discharge a short time after taking the oath to defend his country.
Roy married Norma Leona Weppner on July 11, 1945, at the Lutheran Church in Willow Springs, Mo.
Roy was a long-standing member of Central Baptist Church, Houston. He received Christ as his Savior early in life and remained faithful throughout the years. Roy served as a Sunday school teacher, church deacon, church trustee and church training union director. He was the song leader for a number of years. Maintaining the church building, church grounds and cemetery grounds was done with great pride by him, his wife and family members for years.
After being discharged from the military, he stayed a short while in Kansas City, Mo., staying with family members and working in a nail factory. Roy yearned for his native Texas County and returned shortly thereafter. He began a 35-year career as a teamster truck driver and delivery man for Frisco Transportation and Dodds Freight Company. Roy was fondly known as “Pete” to his many customers during his stops in Texas, Shannon, Douglas and Howell counties. His pressed blue “Big Smith” overalls were yet another thing he was always remembered by. One of his favorite earthly treasures was his dark green 1953 Chevy pickup truck.
After retirement, Roy began a second career by tending to his truck garden and taking care of his orchard — his strawberry, blackberry, grapes and raspberry patches on his little farm known as Seldom Seen Acres. A good blackberry cobbler or some strawberry jelly was always a treat at the family homestead. Numerous hours were spent volunteering and helping others. When his young son ran for public office, Roy introduced him to many friends and former customers.
Roy loved his family. It was the highlight of his day to have his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren stop by for a visit. Up to the very end, Roy’s mind and memories of his beloved Houston and Texas County was remarkable. He loved reading books from the county library and watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals on TV.
Roy was a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He was a true Ozark gentleman, strong believer in his God, hard worker and caring volunteer. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services are 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, at Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ed Hamilton and Wesley Wallace officiating. Pallbearers are Tyson Troutman, Donnie Miller, Mike Wise, Bob Rasmussen, Gerald Ross, Dee Skeeters and David Foster. Burial will be in Central Baptist Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Central Baptist Cemetery, 16989 Sunset Drive, Houston, Mo., 65483. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.