Keith T. Troutman

Keith Thomas Troutman, 55 of Spring, Texas passed away on March 15, 2018 peacefully in his sleep.

Born in Pensacola, Florida on July 30, 1962 to Thomas and Barbara Troutman. Keith is survived by his father, Thomas Troutman and wife Dana of Liberty, Missouri, sister Kristene Bateman and husband Richard Bateman, nieces Cara and Catherine all of Spring, Texas, one brother, Kenneth Troutman of Odessa, Texas, step sister Kari Zeferjahn of Topeka, Kansas, and his long time care giver, Steve Artificavitch. Keith is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Troutman McQuary. He also leaves behind numerous friends who loved him dearly.

Keith graduated from J.L. McCullough High School in 1980 and was an accomplished musician playing coronet, tuba, and french horn. He was also an original member of McCullough High School's bagpipe corp. and he was both in the marching and concert band. Keith graduated from the University of Houston earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems was also studying Electrical Engineering at Johnson County Community College.

In 1982, Keith had a tragic accident which resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic. However, his injury did not stop him from becoming a HAM radio operator as well as a small business owner as a computer wiz and web designer. But most of all, he was a kind and giving human being.

Keith was a fighter as his friend Leah Dahlberg wrote in 2016. He had the philosophy that we are all the same at our core. We all want the basic things; happiness, love, and acceptance. Keith liked everyone and he was always there for his friends, no matter what pain or sickness he was going through. He had such a huge heart for those that he loved. Keith was also very patient and was practically a Zen master according to his friend Leah. With his injuries, Keith had to learn patience and could probably have given Job a run for his money in the patience department. To Keith, life is amazing and worth fighting for at all costs. For close to 36 years, Keith fought long and he fought hard for his life. "Bask in the sun, smell the flowers, and appreciate your abilities" was his motto. Enjoy what you still have because in an instant it could all be gone!

Keith had the mindset that there is no point in wasting time being sad and depressed about what you have lost or don't have. When asked how he always stayed so positive, he said that when he felt down, he would allow himself a pity party of 15 minutes and then move on.

Keith was of the belief that no matter what you are going through, don't take it out on those around you. It won't help you feel any better and you may need those people in your corner, so don't run them off by acting miserable. Not only that, but appreciate those that are around you and standing by you.

Keith said to follow your passions and expand your horizons. Sometimes you may find that all you really have is you and you had better like yourself and enjoy your pursuits or you will be miserable. He was an avid reader and loved learning and experimenting. He always loved HAM radio and knew that he wasn't going to let being paralyzed stop him from being able to operate the radio. Keith became the highest class HAM Radio operator.

Keith lived a hard fought life, but we are all enriched because of his bravery and his courage to overcome the many obstacles placed in his way because of the accident. He would say that he was just "plain old Keith", but to Leah and the rest of us, he was Superman and he will be greatly missed!