Christopher J. Trauth M.D.

1948 - 2017

Christopher J. Trauth, M.D.

October 7, 1948 - November 12, 2017

Abilene, TX

Dr. Christopher Trauth, loving husband, brother, son-in-law, doting and generous father and grandfather, left this earthly world November 12, 2017, after a swift, but fierce battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. A disease for which there is no known cause, no substantial treatment, and no cure.

He was a kind and gentle soul, born with a pioneering spirit to parents Leycester L. Trauth and Ethyl LeBlanc-Trauth in Gretna, Louisiana, a small community on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from New Orleans. As one would expect, he loved the culture and cuisine Louisiana had to offer: red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée and shrimp po' boys top the list. He also enjoyed his wife's smothered pork chops, lemon pound cake, shortbread cookies and key lime pie!

He loved science, art, history, music, books, nature, gardening, fine wine and life in general. He was an avid scuba diver, underwater photographer, a happy sous chef, a grumpy barista, and in earlier years a fierce tennis player. After returning to West Texas from Hawaii, he traded in his diving gear for something more conducive to the Texas flat lands, and became a firearms enthusiast.

In 1970, Dr. Trauth received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Southwestern Louisiana. In 1974, he received his Doctor of Medicine from Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans. From June 1974 to June 1977, he completed his internship in Internal Medicine at Lafayette Charity Hospital and his residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. In July 1977, inspired by a former mentor, Dr. Trauth enrolled in the first Fellowship offered in Medical Oncology at University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas. This subspecialty of Internal Medicine was so new that he was one of only two Fellows in the course. He completed his Medical Oncology Fellowship in June 1979.

A man of true grace and honor, and a selfless servant to his patients, Dr. Trauth's career in Oncology/Hematology spanned 37 years. He opened his first clinical practice, and the first Oncology clinic in Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1979. Prior to the advent of Oncology as a new medical specialty, cancer patients had been cared for by General Internists. This proved a difficult obstacle to overcome for his fledgling practice as he blazed the trail in Oncology. It was during this time he would begin raising a family, and adopted his first newborn child, Melissa.

In 1981, Dr. Trauth closed his practice in Lafayette and moved his family to Ft. Smith, Arkansas where he opened his second practice. It was during this time he would adopt his second newborn child, Mark. From Arkansas, Dr. Trauth and his family moved to Beaumont, Texas, where, in 1983, he and two other partners formed a private practice known as Beaumont Oncology. Beaumont Oncology would later merge with Texas Oncology, P.A., and merge again in 1995, becoming U.S. Oncology. Dr. Trauth remained in Beaumont until 2002.

He came to Abilene in 2002, as a Locums Tenens' physician for Dr. Victor Hirsch at Abilene Hematology Oncology (AHOG). While in Abilene, he met the love of his life, Rita, and whisked her away with him to Hawaii. Fulfilling a lifelong dream of practicing in a sub-tropical climate, he opened the first Oncology clinic on the leeward side of The Big Island of Hawaii in 2004. It was there he and Rita were married. Serious environmental health issues forced their return to the mainland. They were warmly welcomed back to Abilene and Dr. Trauth resumed his former position with Dr. Victor Hirsch.

After Dr. Hirsch's departure from the practice, Dr. Trauth remained with Hendrick Health System from which he would retire in 2016. He selflessly served this community for 15 years. In 2013, prior to his diagnosis with ALS, he had become board certified in the Clinical Science of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He had hoped to semi-retire and begin practice in this new frontier in medicine he so loved. His diagnosis of ALS would dictate otherwise.

He served as chairman and director of numerous boards and committees throughout his professional career, as well as having membership affiliations in a number of medical societies, including The International Society of Aquatic Medicine and Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Dr. Christopher Trauth is survived by his wife Rita with whom he had just celebrated their thirteenth wedding anniversary; his brother, George Trauth; brother-in-law, Lynn Witherspoon; daughter, Melissa Nolan (Tim); son, Mark Trauth (Liane); two stepsons, Jeff Elam (Janet); Jacy Bellew (Amber), and two grandchildren, Davis Bellew (4 years old) and Ella Bellew (2 years old), who brought so much joy and laughter to his life.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the physicians, nurses, aides, private care givers, Hendrick Hospice staff, Kinder Hearts Home Health staff, and the folks at Mobility Unlimited. All provided the necessary care that aided in Dr. Trauth's comfort during his fight with ALS. We can't forget his colleagues, our neighbors, friends and family who we knew were, and are always there for us.

Dr. Trauth was a member of The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Abilene. His family thanks Pastor Don Wilson and all the Elders who ministered to Dr. Trauth during the last months of his life by bringing him Communion and praying with him. He valued their gentle and kind ministry.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Trauth's life, Friday, January 12, 2018, at 3:00PM at The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St., Abilene, Tx. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Gary Goodnight, Vice Chair of The Grace Museum and Ms. Sheila Richardson, Event Director of the Grace Museum, for their assistance in making this celebration happen.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Grace Museum, ALS Association of Texas, Hendrick Hospice Care, Cancer Services Network, or the charity of your choice.