Wilburn “Bill” Trotter

Wilburn “Bill” Trotter was born July 1st, 1928, in Trafford Alabama to Melvin and Rosa Mae Trotter. Died April 21, 2024, at St Francis hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 95.

Bill spent his early years in Trafford and Warrior, Alabama. He was the 5th child of 7. In 1946 he went to visit his sister, Juanita, and her husband in Indianapolis where he met and fell in love with Virginia Caughey. They married on November 7, 1946, in Indianapolis. They remained married until her death in 1993.

Bill and Virginia made their home near Acton, Indiana and raised 4 daughters.

Bill was a “Jack of all Trades” and could build anything. He worked hard every day of his life. Bill worked as a millwright for Western Electric, retiring in 1983. He and Virginia used to work the auction in their spare time. He was the ringmaster and loved selling anything and everything. He and Marilyn, his second wife of 28 years, continued that hobby and were still buying and selling at flea markets until he was 93.

After Bill retired from Western Electric, he founded T & W Construction with his son-in-law Rick. Later on, he went into business with his brother-in-law Dick, starting T & C Construction. They did small construction jobs all around Indianapolis.

Bill had a deep bond with his family. He was close to his parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews throughout his life. He loved to travel with as many of them as he could, all his life. Fishing, camping, hanging out by a campfire, no matter what it was, if you were with Bill, you were certain to have a good time. Many stories of great vacations could be shared by any of his family.

Bill had a great love for country and bluegrass music. He enjoyed going to bluegrass festivals and listening to the old country legends on the radio. Music was always a part of any celebration he was involved in.

Having grown up the son of a coal miner, Bill grew up poor. He made sure his children and grandchildren never knew what that kind of poor felt like. He worked hard to ensure his children and grandchildren never knew what that kind of poor felt like. Christmas at his house was always a big deal!

On March 27, 1996, Bill married Marilyn Shelton. They made their home on Knapp Road until the last 2 years, moving to Rosegate garden homes in Indianapolis. Marilyn has been by his side nonstop over the last few years because of his failing health and we are thankful for that.

In his later years, Bill and Marilyn enjoyed watching and talking Pacers basketball with his grandsons.

Bill will be greatly missed. No one will ever be able to fill his shoes. Until we meet again, watch your bobber! As he told us many times over the last days of his life, “Everything is gonna be alright”.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father, Rosa Mae and Melvin Trotter. His brothers, Clyde, Adron, Tom, and Sandy and his sister Juanita ~ wife, Virginia Lee Trotter. One son in law Steve Price.

Survivors include : His wife, Marilyn Trotter, 4 daughters Marcia (Mike) Arcuri, Kathy (Dave) Wyatt, Linda (Rick) Wilson and Nancy (Bill) Armstrong; one brother, Jack Trotter; nine grandchildren, Leslie Zinn, Chris Arcuri, Michael Arcuri, Robin Keerns, Sarah Evans, Jennifer Luster, Penny Brunes, Billy Armstrong and Aaron Armstrong; twenty two great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren with one on the way; three Stepchildren, John Dunbar (Connie), Pam (Freddie) Ritchie, Tammy (David) Haste, four step grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and in-laws who will miss him.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 26^th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Franklin Township Chapel 5950 E. Thompson Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46237 with a funeral starting at 1:00 pm. Bill will be laid to rest in Acton Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Wilburn "Bill" Trotter, please visit our Tribute Store.