James
Kelly Trotter passed away August 22, 2004. Kelly was born at Burge Hospital on
March 2, 1953, to Tony and Opal (Ruckman) Trotter. Kelly lived in Springfield
most of his life and was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict where he received the
national Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Mechanics badge, a
Vietnam Campaign medal with 60 device and the overseas bar.
When he returned from his tour of duty he lived in Whittier, California, for several years and also in Canada for 10 years. While in California, he played fast pitch softball with the newly formed pro softball league. He won many trophies and awards while there and also when he continued to play ball in Canada. Upon his return to Springfield, he continued his softball career. He belonged to the American Legion.
Kelly was preceded in death by his
father, and maternal and paternal grandparents. Survivors include four children,
April Shaner and Todd, Melissa Trotter, and Eric Trotter, all of Indian Springs,
Nevada, and Jennifer Trotter of Keswick, Canada; five grandchildren; his mother,
Opal Trotter; a brother, David Trotter and Suzy; a sister, Mikee Bishop and Bob,
all of Sprin
gfield;
a sister, Pat Hoover and George of Marshfield; and a sister, Jan Salzman of Fair
Grove. He is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews and many other
relatives and friends. Visitation will be at Greenlawn South from 6 to 8 p.m.
today, August 26, 2004. Services will be held at Missouri Veterans Cemetery on
Friday, August 27, 2004, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gary Gray officiating. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society.