Bill Trout

Bill Trout, 71, of Poplar Bluff died Saturday, March 6, 2010, after a lengthy battle with heart and diabetes related issues.

Bill was born Feb. 26, 1939, on the family farm in Broseley. He graduated from Broseley High School in 1957 and Arkansas State University in 1964. As a young man, Bill served as a member of the National Guard and was a high school teacher. He also was elected as Superintendent of Schools for Butler County.

Bill was a sports enthusiast playing basketball and baseball in both high school and college. He enjoyed staying involved with basketball as a referee and coach to his children's teams. Even at his passing, Bill was attending a youth basketball game of a friend at church. Bill was one of the original basketball booster club members of Three Rivers Community College and he and his wife have enjoyed supporting the team for years. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. Bill attended First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff and was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church Sunrise Beach.

For most of his professional career Bill worked as an insurance agent and District Manager for Farmer's Insurance Group in Poplar Bluff, and later in Sedalia, Sunrise Beach, Lake of the Ozarks and Springfield.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Phyllis Trout, and their two children Felicia Douglas and her husband Sid Douglas of Lee's Summit and Gil Trout and his wife Julie Trout of Springfield; three grandchildren: Katie Douglas, Drew Douglas, and Nathan Trout; two nieces, Geana Chaligoj and Jana Williams; and an uncle, Loyd Arnold of Broseley.

His parents, Clint and Opal Trout and brother, Clint Trout, Jr. preceded him in death.

The family will receive and visit with friends from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff. A service of celebration of Bill's life will follow at noon with Dr. William Vail officiating, and Rev. John Gilbert and Rev. Mike Hawkins assisting.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church (Now and Forever Fund), 551 N. Westwood, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.