William Trotter

William Allen Trotter, age 92, of Washington formerly of Ainsworth, Iowa died Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Halcyon House in Washington, Iowa. Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 28, 2011 at the Jones Eden Funeral Home with Rev. Kitch Shatzer officiating. Visitation will begin noon Thursday at the Jones Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday. Interment with military honors conducted by the James Harlan Thoma, Ainsworth American Legion Post 351 will take place at the Oregon Township Cemetery in Ainsworth, Iowa. Memorials have been established for the James Harlan Thoma Ainsworth American Legion Post 351, the Ainsworth Community Church, or the Ainsworth Opera House. Online condolences may be sent for Bill's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Bill was born November 17, 1918 in Ainsworth, Iowa the son of George Francis and Eathel May (McElwain) Trotter. He grew up in Ainsworth, Iowa and Sterling, Illinois, and had lived permanently in Ainsworth since attending the eighth grade. Bill graduated from Ainsworth High School, and later attended Coe College for two years. Bill and Edith Mae Henderson were united in marriage on February 18, 1940 in Ainsworth, Iowa. Bill entered the United States Army in 1944 where he served as a B.A.R. (Browning Automatic Rifle) in the 70th Infantry Division (Trailblazers), B-275 Company. During his military service, Bill achieved the rank of Private First Class, and was awarded the Purple Heart with four clusters, the Silver Star with clusters, the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Médaille de la France Libérée. After his military service, Bill served as Regional Vice President for the 70th Infantry Division. He was privileged to go on the World War II Honor Flight in September of 2010. Upon returning home from the war, Bill became a partner with J.D. Rabenold at the Community Feed Company from 1946 until 1960. Bill and Edie later purchased and operated the business from 1960 until their retirement in 1976. Bill enjoyed traveling with his wife and wintering in Sebring, Florida for 30 years. Bill was a member of the Ainsworth Community Church, where he previously served as a Church Elder. He was a proud member of the Order of the Purple Heart and D.A.V. He was an active member of the Ainsworth Lions Club, as well as the James Harlan Thoma Ainsworth American Legion Post 351 where he served as Post Commander for many years. He served on the Board of Iowa Grain and Feed and the Ainsworth Town Council for many years. He is survived by his wife Edie of Washington, Iowa, daughter Pamela Edwards and husband Gary of St. Charles, Missouri; daughter-in-law Mary Trotter of Perry, Iowa; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, and sister Dorothy E. Harley of Ely, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Thomas H. Trotter, and brother Lawrence H. Trotter.

William Trotter

November 17, 1918 - October 24, 2011