Ernest Joe Trochta

Ernest Joe Trochta passed away Saturday, January 24th , 2026 just three months shy of his 99th birthday. He was born May 22nd , 1927 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Joseph Adolphus and Mary Francis (Ceasar) Trochta. He grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Northeast High School. Ernest served in the US ARMY during WWII and received the WWII Victory Medal and the Philippine Independence Ribbon during his service. After the war he met and later married Eleanor Edith Estes on October 15th , 1950. They established their home in Oklahoma City and before his retirement, he owned and operated Trochta’s Flowers & Greenhouses with his brother, Charles, established by their parents, Joe and Mary Trochta. Together the brothers took what their parents started and built what became the most sought-after florist in the region. Ernest was regarded for his incredible work ethic. It was this unwavering focus and diligence that shaped Trochta’s legendary quality service their customers came to expect and rely upon. In those years, outside of a demanding work schedule and family commitments, he was active in the Florist Association and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing and golf which would in retirement years become his past time.

Retirement arrived early for Ernest allowing he and Eleanor to enjoy the rich rewards afforded by previous decades of hard work. In 1978 on a golfing trip with friends, they fell in love with Horseshoe Bay. Shortly after selling the florist business in 1980, Ernest and Eleanor moved to Horseshoe Bay making the Hill Country, the lake, and year-round golfing home. He admired the creativity displayed in the design and development of Horseshoe Bay and found himself living the dream the Hurd’s originally envisioned. Ernie quickly developed a new routine that began with fishing early every morning and afterwards off to golf with Ellie and friends. He also looked forward to Monday night Poker with the boys unless he was travelling the world with his love, Eleanor.

Ernest and Eleanor were Charter Members of The Church at Horseshoe Bay. They enjoyed many wonderful years in Horseshoe Bay where they fully immersed themselves in the resort community for the remainder of their lives.

Ernest was a devout father and grandfather. His grandkids admired him and valued spending time with him. He taught them to value generosity and hard work, to fish, golf, to love nature, to be a disciplined gardener and to enjoy life. He always had the boat ready to go, trips to local historic interesting sites planned, fish fry’s and dominos.

The family is beyond grateful that Ernest was able to live independently at home until the last two months of his life.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor, of 70 years; his parents, Joe and Mary; and one brother, Charles Trochta.

Ernest is survived by his children, Mike Trochta and Pat (Trochta) Adkins; four grandchildren, Brandon Trochta, Johanna Adkins, Jennifer (Adkins) Garza and her husband Marco, and Luke Adkins and his wife Adrienne, and seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one sister, Olga (Trochta) Ruffin and one brother, Robert Trochta; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February 6th at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654. Funeral Services will be held directly after visitation at 2:30 p.m. at the Horseshoe Bay Mausoleum, 540 Mausoleum Dr, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657.