Thomas Neal Trotter passed peacefully from this life into the presence of his Savior, at home in Centralia, Washington, March 26, 2022, with loved ones at his side, having battled kidney disease and pancreatic cancer.
Tom was born Nov. 21, 1944 to Thomas and Hazel (Louis) Trotter in Olympia, Washington, the eldest of four sons.
He married Judy Haines and they had one child, Thomas Anthony Trotter, on May 10, 1971, who passed away on Jan. 25, 2017 from complications of Huntington's disease. Tom was devoted to helping his son and daughter-in-law through his son's final illness.
Tom retired from Centralia Mining and was a scraper operator for most of his career. Co-workers will no-doubt remember those impressive “Tommy Loads.” His hauls were the heaviest. Previous employment included Lockheed, Weyco, Dilk Tire and HKW Shake Mill.
Tom's grandchildren kept him busy throughout their school years with football, basketball, track and volleyball games. They were the apple of Papa Tom's eye. He seldom missed an activity. He is survived by his grandchildren Thomas Colten Trotter (Courtney), Nathaniel Craig Trotter (Brandi), Garrett Young Trotter (Sarah), and Morgan Brooke Trotter, as well as four beloved great-grandchildren, Kai, Rynnleigh, Asher and Lachlan; and step-daughters Annette, Debi, Tonya, Jennifer, and Heather, and their families, who always held an important place in his heart, especially Tonya Trotter-Mickelson, who shares his last name.
He is also survived by his brothers Dennis Trotter (Jennifer) and Jerry Trotter (Valerie) of Raymond, Washington, as well as his many nieces, nephews and extended family, and by his dear friend, Peggy Frichette.
Tom was preceded in death by his son Thomas, his brother Jeff, his nephews Jerry and Matthew, and by his parents.
Graveside services will be held at Claquato Cemetery in Adna, on April 1, 2022 at 2 p.m., with a celebration of Tom's life to follow at the Adna Grange.
The family is grateful to Colonial Residence for their kindness and accommodation during Tom's last weeks.
