William Forrest Trafton

Bill is survived by his wife of 71 years Leona Quicksall Trafton and their three children Mike, Steve, and Nancy, two grandchildren (Geoffrey Trafton and Morgen Jordan), and three great grandchildren. His grandson Jon Trafton preceded him in death in 2019.

Bill attended Austin High School where he played football and made many lifelong friends. He joined the Air Force after graduation from The University of Texas in 1954, flying the T-6 and T-33 in pilot training. Upon completion of pilot training, Bill was assigned to fly the B-36. After leaving Air Force active duty, Bill helped run the family ceramic tile business on Guadalupe Street for many years.

After a break of a few years, Bill joined the Air Force Reserve. He enjoyed being a part-time pilot flying the C-119, C-124, and C-130 aircraft! Bill retired from the Air Force Reserve 433rd Troop Carrier Wing (now 433rd Airlift Wing) in 1992 as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 10000 hours of piloting time.

Bill was an avid hunter, golfer, and fisherman. He was a long time member of Austin County Club, spending many hours enjoying the golf course and the gin and tonics! He was a lifetime Longhorn fan.

Bill loved Colorado, enjoyed skiing and spending many summers and some Christmases at the family condo at Copper Mountain.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Zilker Clubhouse (200 Arnulfo Alonzo Way Austin 78704) on August 1st at 11:30, with BBQ following a short memorial ceremony. Casual dress, Hawaiian shirts recommended. Dress for warm weather - building does not have air conditioning but we hope to have some portable units.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations / contributions to 'The Settlement Home for Children' in Austin. It is a charity that mom and dad supported and donated time to for many, many years. It is for a great cause, please google them and see what it's all about. Hundreds of young girls have been helped out of a bad situation, helped them get through school, some even to higher education campuses, helped them become successful in their community and in life. Visit their website to make donations, and, they are always looking for volunteers, with a link to fill out if interested. Thank you very much!