Ralph Edwin Trostel

Ralph Trostel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2014 in Arlington. He was 91 years old. Mr. Trostel is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Trostel of Arlington as well as his children and their spouses: Tom and Martha Jo Trostel; Phyllis and John Thielman; Ted and Kelli Trostel and Tim Trostel. He is also survived by his sisters: Mary Jane Downing; Joan McConnell; Virginia Drake and his brother David Trostel and wife Billye. Mr. Trostel was preceded in death by his brother Lt. Philip Trostel.

Mr. Trostel was born in Marion, Indiana on March 23, 1922. He joined the Air Force as a pilot and served from 1943 – 1963. During World War II, Mr. Trostel flew 38 B-26 missions over Germany. After the war, he served as part of occupation forces in Japan. Mr. Trostel also flew B-29 tankers and C-46 transports during his 20 years of service. He achieved the rank of Major in the United States Air Force.

After retiring from the military, Mr. Trostel worked as a parole officer for the State of Texas from 1965 – 1985. Never one to remain idle, upon his retirement from parole work Mr. Trostel worked as a school bus driver for special education students in the Arlington Independent School District from 1985 – 1996.

Mr. Trostel inspired many with his work ethic, his sense of humor and his commitment to service. Of the various roles he played, his favorite was grandfather. He is survived by his grandchildren and their spouses: Matt and Lynn Trostel; Blake and Christine Calhoun; Kim and Jared Richardson; Brad and Adrienne Loper; Jason Pettit; Zac and Gina Trostel; Riley Trostel; Kirby Trostel; Julia Harper; and Caroline Trostel. Mr. and Mrs. Trostel also have 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Trostel will be Thursday, March 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home. A Celebration of Ralph Trostel’s life will take place Friday, March 21 at 11:00 a.m. at Northwest Christian Church, 1001 N. Davis Drive, in Arlington. Burial to follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.