More detail on this person: Kenneth Edward
Trotter peacefully passed away on September 21,
2013, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by his loving
family. Ken was born on March 25, 1941 in Mexia,
Texas to Edward B. and Marjorie Jones Trotter. He
was married for 54 years to, and is survived by,
his high school sweetheart and the love of his
life, Sandra Arlene Romain Trotter.
Ken grew up in Tehuacana, Texas and graduated
from Mexia High School in May of 1959. He married
Sandra at the First Methodist Church of Tehuacana
on July 17, 1959. He then attended Sam Houston
State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas and
graduated from there in January, 1963 with a
Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, a commission as
a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, and a
baby girl, Kimberly Anne.
The family moved around the country several times
as Ken received training to become a helicopter
pilot and his second daughter, Camille Arlene, was
born. In March of 1966, Ken began his first tour
of duty in Vietnam. He served as a pilot in the
Army's Dust Off program, flying in air ambulance
rescue operations into battle and helping to save
countless lives. In December of 1968, Ken began
his second tour of duty in Vietnam, again flying
helicopters and moving soldiers and supplies for
the Army.
Ken returned to the United States and served in
several more positions and cities for the Army.
During this time, his third daughter, Jennifer
Rebecca, was born. His duties were as a high level
Army officer and included leading a unit of
Chinook helicopters in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany
and serving as the Chief Aviation Officer at Fort
Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
For his service in the Army, Ken was the recipient
of numerous commendations including the Bronze
Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air
Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam
Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with
Palm, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas
Service Ribbon, the Master Army Aviator Badge,
the Senior Army Aviator Badge, the Army Aviator
Badge, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the
Order of Military Merit.
After 20 years in the Army, Ken honorably retired
as a Lieutenant Colonel. He embarked on a second
career by working at Texas Instruments and
Raytheon Company. During this time, Ken decided
to return to school in his spare time and become a
lawyer. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Texas
Wesleyan University and became a member of the
Texas Bar in 1994.
Ken retired once more, in 2004, and moved to
Tomball, Texas to be near his family. His fondest
memories were of his time spent with his wife, his
daughters, his sons-in-law, and his grandchildren.
He was happiest traveling with them, enjoying
holidays and vacations with them, and caring for
all of them. He was a kind, generous and loving
friend, husband, son, brother, father and
grandfather. His warm, kind spirit and his
positive attitude toward life will be remembered
and cherished by all who knew them.
He was preceded in death by his parents and
sister, Marjorie Anne Green.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; his
daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Andrew Selzman;
his daughter Camille and son-in-law Robert
Zachmeier; his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law
Jason Hafner; his five grandchildren, Amanda
Goldie Selzman, Jonathan Edward Selzman,
Matthew Andrew Selzman, George Edward Hafner,
and Henry Jacob Hafner; his sister and
brother-in-law Judy and Maurice Fife; and his
brother and sister-in law, Jimmy and Martha
Trotter.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association