Stephen David Trotter

Stephen David Trotter, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on July 2, 2026. Born April 20, 1944, in Wilmington, Delaware, Stephen was the son of the late Jerome Moses and Ethel Ann (Jacobs) Trotter. Throughout his life, he was deeply cherished—known for a gentle steadiness and a hard-working devotion to the people and communities he served.

Stephen attended Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville, Indiana, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Indiana University. He continued his education through summer courses at Evansville University, the University of Minnesota, and George Washington University, ultimately earning his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University School of Law in 1969. His commitment to learning reflected a disciplined, thoughtful approach that would shape his professional life for decades.

In the early years of Stephen’s career as an attorney, he was employed by Northern Trust Company in Chicago, Illinois, followed by VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and then Grimm & Grimm Law Firm in Auburn, Indiana. In 1972, he became a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Allen County, Indiana, serving part-time for more than 10 years while building his private practice. For the nearly 50 years that followed, Stephen served clients, specializing in family law, until he retired in 2019.

On August 22, 1976, Stephen married Sarah “Sally” Williams. He is survived by his loving wife; his daughter, Annie (Chad) Gernady; his sister, Mary Libby Nieman; and his grandchildren, Samuel and Leah Gernady.

Outside of his legal work, Stephen found satisfaction in pursuits that combined precision, patience, and quiet enjoyment: skeet and trap shooting, serving as a certified pistol and rifle instructor, flying as a private pilot (single engine VFR), photography, and tinkering in his home workshop. He enjoyed spending time with his family at their lake-house in the summer, where he was most relaxed. In each interest, his calm attentiveness and steady hands were evident—qualities that those who knew him came to rely on and admire.

Stephen also gave generously of his time and leadership. He was involved with the County, State, and National Bar Associations; the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association; and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge (1971), the Scottish Rite, Fort Wayne Valley (1972), and the Shrine (1972). His service extended meaningfully to faith and community life as a Temple Youth Group Advisor and Temple Sunday School Teacher. He also served as Past President of the Canterbury Toastmasters Club, the Council on Alcoholism for Northern Indiana, and the Allen County Alcoholism Council; as Commissioner for the Indiana Mental Health Planning Commission, Northeast Region; and in leadership roles with the Inter-Agency Drug Abuse Council and the Coalition of Addictions, where he was an incorporator and served on the Board of Directors.

A Funeral Service will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, on July 7, 2026, at 11:00 am, with Rabbi Meir Bargeron officiating. A private committal service will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to The Temple Congregation Achduth Vesholom (by clicking the link below) or to a charity of your choice.