Richard H. Trout II

Richard H. Trout, II, of Brooksville, Florida, May 3, 1960 to August 27, 2023.

My baby brother slipped away from us on Sunday, August 27, 2023, nestled in the comfort of his favorite recliner.  He had many health problems later in life but beat the odds a couple of times. First by being a 20-year kidney transplant survivor and then an insulin dependent diabetic with a pacemaker.  He also had at least 2 car accidents he shouldn’t have survived, but somehow did.  He always said he wasn’t rich or good looking, but he was lucky and that was better.

He was born in Smyrna, Tennessee to Mildred and Richard Trout and spent his formative years living in various states and countries as our family was transferred by the United States Air Force.  He graduated from Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Va., received an Associate’s degree from Lake Sumter State College in Leesburg, Fl., and a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.  He was a lifelong Seminole fan and member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

I looked after my baby brother from the time he was born until the day he left us because he was always busy looking after others.  He dedicated his life to serving the public through his various jobs as a child protective investigator, an adult services coordinator, and through his community service with the Civil Air Patrol, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel, a lifetime member and chaplan of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a 32nd degree Mason, serving for over 35 years.  He served as Worshipful Master of his Lodge in Brooksville and received the rank of Knight Commander, Court of Honor.  He was also a Kentucky Colonel and an inveterate joke teller.  He was constantly sending cartoons, memes, jokes and 1960’s music to me and his friends.  He was the eternal bachelor having never married ( although he was close a couple of times), and loved children as he never lost his child’s heart, sense of humor or belief in God.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mildred L. Trout and Richard H. Trout, and is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Terry and John Neal, and many friends including his high school friend of almost 50 years, Kevin Rohr.  In addition, we thank all of his Masonic and fraternity brothers who helped him, sacrificing their time to drive him to Shands Hospital in Gainesville when he couldn’t do it and looking after him when he got home.  A short memorial service will be held for Richard on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Masonic Brotherhood Lodge located at 13402 Montour Street, Brooksville.  If you knew him, come by and tell us a couple of corny jokes and enjoy some fellowship – he would’ve like that.