Mr. Gary Troutman, 68, of Rochester was surrounded by his loving family passed away at 1:01 PM on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

In Logansport, on October 17, 1949, Gary Wayne was  the fourth  son to be born  to  Robert Winston  and Irene Mildred Bothwell Troutman.  Growing up he shared his childhood with three big  brothers Kenneth, Keith and Philip. He graduated from Kewanna High School in 1968. He was looking forward to celebrating his 50th graduation reunion this  spring with his cherished classmates and longtime  friends.  He was a member of the  KHS Indian  cross-country team and was active in Fulton County 4-H.

In pursuit of advanced studies of agriculture, Gary entered Purdue University.  Patriotism beckoned, and Gary answered the call serving with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a proud member of the Americal 23rd Infantry Division, signal corps.  He was trained  in advanced radio - teletype communications . Sgt. E-5 Gary W. Troutman was authorized with  security clearance to operate  the most sophisticated communication equipment of that era .  He earned the distinguished  Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Combat Medal and Bronze Star.  After his honorable discharge, Gary returned to Purdue earning a bachelors of science degree in agriculture systems management graduating in 1975.  He was a resident assistant at Cary Quad and Terry Courts.

After Purdue graduation, Gary took over as manager/ owner operator of Troutman Farms.  He improved efficiency and profitability.  His dad Robert, Uncle Donald Troutman and friends David Briney and Steve Perkins work as his part-time employees.

On a "not so successful," blind date, Gary met his future love and life partner, Penny Ashley.  Two years after they first met, Gary and Penny began dating and committed their lives to  each other marrying on  March 17, 1984, at Kewanna Church of Christ.  Their lives and family were completed with the blessings of three children; Ryan Robert, Marcus Gary and Katherine Jane.  Gary was a great Dad being involved in the daily aspects of his children's lives as they grew-up.  He was a strong, loud and proud supporter at soccer, baseball,  football games and wrestling matches.    He was equally proud and encouraging at choir concerts, RHS plays and musicals.  Gary highly influenced his children's faith development and was always a part of the family prayer time, as a role model, demonstrating and teaching the importance of a relationship with God and being a part of a supportive community faith.

With a servant's heart Gary was a member of the Fulton County Extension Board and was on Extension Area 8,  P-CARET  (Purdue Committee for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching).    He served on  state P-CARET and was elected state secretary and vice-president.   For two years he was a delegate to Washington D.C. to discuss and advocate for Purdue Agriculture and Extension with members of Congress.

Suffering from a major stroke  and the long period of physical rehabilitation,  demanded that he discontinue the Troutman farm operation.  It was one of the most sorrowful and difficult decisions of his life.  Gary loved farming and was so proud of his family farm legacy.  Following his stroke recovery he continued to work in the agriculture sector.  He worked for Pioneer Hybrids, Black Gold Farms and most recently the crop division of Creighton Brothers LLC.

A devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 30 years, Gary served on several committees and was head usher for the last several years.  He is known for and will be remembered for his unique organization skills, innovative farm inventions, generosity, humility,  patience, acceptance and non-judgmental attitude.

From his childhood Gary developed a strong work ethic.  He loved tractor-pulls and gospel music.  He was one of God's miracles surviving and persevering after suffering a major stroke in 1993.  His devotion and love for his family, church and God was evident each day.  Papaw Gary loved and adored his grandson Easton and Wyatt to the moon and back.

Left to cherish Gary's memory are his wife Penny; three children: Ryan Robert Troutman and wife Keisha of Fulton, Marcus "Marc" Gary Troutman of Rochester, Katherine Jane "Katie" Troutman of Rochester; two grandsons: Easton D. Troutman and Wyatt J. Troutman of Fulton;  three brothers: Kenneth Troutman and wife Ann of Camden, Keith Troutman and wife Sherry of Cicero, Philip Troutman and wife Diana of Highland Springs, VA; sisters-in-law: Rebecca Emenhiser of West Lafatyette, and Michelle Dunten of Fort Wayne; and several nieces and nephews.  Preceding Gary in death are his parents and mother-in-law, Jane K. Ashley.

Pastor Gail Law will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the US Army Honor Team.   Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.