Thomas J. Troutman

Thomas J. Troutman 93, of Tyler, Texas, formerly of Baytown, went to be with His Lord October 7, 2009. He was born February 19, 1916 in Grandfalls, Texas to John and Blanche Troutman and was one of fourteen children in the family.

Tom lived in the Baytown area and worked for Humble Oil and Refinery retiring in 1974 after thirty plus years of service. After retirement, he and his wife of sixty-three years, Merlene, moved to the Hill Country where he enjoyed living in the country. While there, he built two cabins and a house. He could start with a stack of boards, a pile of plumbing material, some electrical wire and turn those things into a home for his family. He had the ability to fix most anything whether it be electrical, plumbing, or carpentry.

When he was not working, he spent time fishing, hunting, playing dominos and visiting with family and friends. He and Merlene (Meme) loved to travel in their RV camper with friends in the Good Sam Club and many times they took their grandchildren to Lake Livingston for fishing and camping. In addition to camping, his pastime included: garage sales, shopping for antiques, keeping a neat and trim yard and caring for pets. Tom (Paps) will be remembered for his great sense of humor and for teasing his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. He leaves many great memories and will be deeply missed.

He was faithful to God and loved fellowshipping with other believers. In past years he attended Central Assembly, Trinity Tabernacle and was a long-time member of Memorial Assembly of God in Baytown.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Merlene, parents, John and Blanche Troutman, a great granddaughter, Heather Dean, and ten of his siblings. He is survived by his brother Jessie Troutman and his sisters, Laura Malena and Bertha Anderson. Also surviving are his two children and their spouses Jean and Jerry Dean of Edom, Texas, and Jerrell and Betty Troutman of Baytown. He is survived by his grandchildren and their spouses, David and Donna Dean, Leah and Lance Jordan, Tiffany and Todd Franke, Stephanie and Richie Ehlers and Angela and Daryl Daniel. There are eleven great grandchildren: Heath Dean, Lauren and Lexi Jordan, Toby and Ty Franke, Peyton and Jackson Ehlers, Cyah, Halley, Ashby and Camrin Daniel. Others who remain and miss him include many in-laws, nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and special loved one, Sherri Grant.

Visitation for family and friends in the Chandler and Tyler area will be Thursday, October 8, 2009 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Chandler Funeral Home. Family and friends in the Baytown area may gather for a time of viewing at Navarre Funeral home at 1:00pm Friday, October 9, 2009. Services will follow at 2:00pm in the chapel with Rev. Hobby Bilderback and Rev. Phillip Woods officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.