Robert C. Troutman

The oldest of six children of the late Raymond G. and Mary Cline Troutman. Born August 5, 1925 on a farm in central North Carolina. His childhood was spent in what today would seem harsh, as the farm was a distance from others. Electricity did not arrive until he was 16; school was a 2 mile walk to a 2 room building also lacking modern amenities. These and other conditions such as the Great Depression, were the training grounds for Bob in becoming self-reliant and inventive, traits that highlighted his life. While he was in High School, World War II began and as was a way of life with Bob as soon as he was out of school he joined the Navy to help fix the “wrong” of the war. He served in the Pacific ending with the battle of Okinawa. He returned to civilian life in May of 1946. Bob worked as a railway mail clerk for the Post Office, traveling the U.S. by train for several years. During that time he entered the U.S. Border Patrol and was stationed in El Paso, Texas. With his knowledge of building, construction, and management, Bob jumped into hotel management and restaurant construction over the next four decades. He managed 17 hotels, finally opening one in Columbus, Ohio. He was a founding partner in the Damon’s restaurant chain, selling franchise rights but continuing to design and furnish over 150 restaurants. After becoming involved with Lord of Life Lutheran Church, he became the property manager until retirement in October 2014. Over these years, he lovingly cared for and improved every aspect of the building. Friends and family cherish all the things Bob helped them build, from decks to full home renovations. Bob lived to travel all over the world, but most enjoyed relaxing and fishing at the family home on Bald Head Island, NC. He had fun joking with his dear brothers and traveling the country to explore new areas with them. Bob was an avid lover of NASCAR, beginning when he sold a car to Dale Earnhardt’s father and he’s been a fan ever since. The day Dale was killed at Daytona was like losing a member of his family. Bob was a dedicated Lutheran, at least until the NASCAR race begin; and then not even a pot luck could keep him away from the race. Bob was also a lover of candy, with Snickers being a personal favorite. He was also an avid Ohio State fan, and loved to watch them play. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, along with his twin brother Bill and sister Vernell. Bob will be so missed by his loving wife of 35 years, Sandra Troutman, his children Vicki (Richard) Young of SC, Robert (Susan Bafundo) of NC, and Stacie (Matt) Osborne of Worthington. Bob is also survived by his brothers, Howard (Thelma Archer) of NC, Glenn (Sara) of TX, Earl (Linda) of NC, sister-in-law Pat Troutman of NC, and brother-in-law Edwin Davidson of SC. He loved his grandchildren Darren, Cooper, Kristy, Brett, Darren, Tres, Jamie, Lori, Bobby, Larkyn and Rhys and his 12 great grandchildren. Bob will be sorely missed by his faithful companion and sidekick, Sophie. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews. Bob’s calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 8 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 NORTH HIGH STREET. A service will be held at 11am Thursday, July 9 at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 2480 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, with Pastor Jim Wilson and Pastor Beth Clothier officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Honor Flight Columbus, P.O. Box 12036, Columbus, Ohio 43212 or to the church. Friends may leave condolences from the family by going to www.schoedinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to Schoedinger Northwest Chapel.