Troy Gene Ross Sr.

Troy was born on September 1, 1932 to Troy Tobin and Juanita Higgins Ross in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Troy lived in Oklahoma until 1949 when he moved to Denver, Colorado and attended East Denver High School where he eventually met his future wife Kathryn Van Lyr Bakke. After graduating from high school in June of 1950, Troy joined the United States Air Force where he became an Aviation Cadet.

After becoming a Second Lieutenant, Troy and Kay were married on August 6, 1955. They were blessed with 3 sons, Troy, Jr., James and Scott.

Troy served as an Instructor Pilot at Bryan AFB, Bryan TX, Reese AFB, Lubbock TX and Williams AFB Chandler AZ. He also served a 3 year tour in England at Alconbury RAFB where he was promoted to the rank of Major.

Upon returning to the United States, Troy was assigned to Bergstrom AFB, Austin TX where he was approved to teach flying of the RF4C Phantom. While at Bergstrom Troy was part of new Squadron that was formed and deployed to Thailand to fly reconnaissance over North Vietnam. After completing 100 successful flights, Troy was reassigned to Bergstrom AFB where he progressed from Flight Commander to Deputy Commander of Operations with the rank of Colonel. In the summer of 1974 Troy was sent to Air War College in Montgomery AL. After completion of the yearlong training, Troy was assigned to Kelly AFB, San Antonio TX as Inspector General where he completed his 27 year Air Force career.

While stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Troy and Kay fell in love with the area in and around Austin. Upon Troy’s retirement, he and Kay returned to the area and built their home near Coupland TX. Troy spent his post military life enjoying hunting, fishing and playing as much golf as he wanted. Troy was fortunate enough to hit 3 hole in one’s during his lifetime, the last one at his regular course Bluebonnet Hills on April 12, 2012.

Troy was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Kay this past January. He is survived by their 3 sons, Troy Jr., and his wife Irene and their sons Tobin and Benjamin; James and his wife Wendy, their son Jordan and daughter Haley Wisian (David) and their son Gage; and Scott.

The 3 sons would like to thank Dr. Ferril C. Smith for his over 3 decades of dedicated care for both Troy and Kay, the Staff at St. David’s NAMC and his care giver Cindy Stasny.

A graveside service will be held on Monday September 8, 2014 at 11:00am in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, with Full Military Honors.

Condolences may be left at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com