Michael Wayne Trout

Michael Wayne Trout, 73, passed away on February 9, 2026. He was born on August 5, 1952, to Lavena Ruth Endres and Jack Earnest Trout in Borger, Texas-a town that taught him the value of hard work, loyalty, and a good joke delivered at just the right moment.

Michael grew up in Borger and graduated from Borger High School in 1970. Shortly after, he discovered his lifelong passion: trains. He began a 43-year career with BNSF Railway, working his way through various positions before earning the title he wore proudly-Conductor. Michael retired in 2015, but retirement never stopped him from noticing every passing train or smiling at the sound of a whistle in the distance.

In 1996, Michael found the love of his life, Karla Lhea Stinson, and together they shared 29 years of marriage filled with laughter, love, and stories that usually got better every time he told them.

When Michael wasn't on the rails, he stayed plenty busy. He enjoyed woodworking and could often be found in his shop working on one project or another-sometimes with a plan, sometimes just to see what would happen. His true pride and joy, though, was his yard and garden. Michael was always improving it, mixing his own "secret formulas" to achieve the greenest lawn and the biggest flowers on the block. He took great satisfaction in watching his yard transform into what he proudly considered his personal paradise-and he wasn't shy about pointing it out.

If he wasn't outside, chances were good he was sitting with friends over a game of poker or blackjack, confidently bluffing his way through a hand. He also loved watching his Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, faithfully cheering them on and always believing this season would finally be the season.

Fishing was another favorite pastime. Michael could happily spend hours with a line in the water, certain the next cast would land the big one-whether it actually did or not.

And when he couldn't be found anywhere, that usually meant he was off on another travel adventure, soaking in new places, enjoying every moment, and collecting stories to share when he got back.

Above all else, Michael loved his family. He was the jokester-the one who kept everyone laughing, broke the tension, and made sure no family gathering was ever too quiet or taken too seriously.

Michael is survived by his wife, Karla Lhea Trout of Lubbock, Texas; his daughters, Amanda Redd and husband Corbin Redd of Houston, Texas, Tarah Trout of Lubbock, Texas, and Tohi Trout of Lubbock, Texas; his sisters, Sharon Main and husband Jeff Main of Austin, Texas, Sandra Ayers and husband Thomas Ayers of Huntsville, Texas, and Sheryl Franks and husband Randy Franks of Borger, Texas; along with seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, all of whom continue his legacy of laughter.

He was also deeply loved by the Voyles family, who embraced him as one of their own: Blane Voyles; Keith Voyles; Karen Walker and husband Chester; Kelly Chancy and husband Malcolm; Sandra Browning; and Brenda Travers and husband Mark. He was preceded in death by Roy Voyles and Kevin Voyles. The bond they shared was one of enduring friendship, loyalty, and chosen family.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Combest Family Funeral Homes, 2210 Broadway, Lubbock, Texas 79401.

And if you happen to hear a train whistle blow a little longer or louder than usual, don't be surprised-it's probably Michael, leaning out as Conductor one last time, reminding everyone he's still on track and having the time of his life.