Gordon Locklin "Jake" Trotter

TROTTER, Gordon "Jake" Locklin
June 25, 1922 - August 15, 2009
He is now at peace and in heaven (himmel) with our beloved mother (Schatzi). Their love spanned 60 years- He is survived by his children; Patricia "Trish" & Bill Wardlow. Michael Robert Trotter, Christine & Gary Pool, Ellen & Robert "Bob" Peters, Michelle Trotter; his sister in-law Hilda Birkl, nephews & niece Fritzi & Erika Birkl, Wolfgang & Stephan Birkl from Munich, Germany; grand children, Clint & Eric Wardlow, Eric, David & Sara Pool, Naomie & Christian "Chris" Harris, Robert "Rob" & Amber Peters, Bruce "Gordon" & Stephanie Peters; great grandchildren, Kayla, Ahnalies,& Lorelei Harris, Kylie & Jackson Peters, Locklin Peters and numerous other relatives throughout the country. He grew up and graduated high school in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was the co-captain of his football team (all state guard), lettering in football and track. He started his military career at age 17 first in the Grand Forks National Guard and then the U.S. Army Air Corps and later in the U.S. Air Force. His career spanned over three decades: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant from the Strategic Air Command, 320th Bomb Wing, at Mather Air Force Base, in Rancho Cordova (RC). California. He was awarded by "the President of the United States of America authorized by an act of congress", the "Soldiers Medal" on August 5, 1953 for Heroism. He was a Lifetime Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Retired Enlisted Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association, the Air Force Gunners Association, a Chartered and Lifetime member of the RC Elks Lodge 2848, a member of the Sacramento Jazz Association, the RC Moose Lodge 2357, the American Legion Post 383 Fair Oaks, and the Folsom VFW Post 6604. He enjoyed time with his grand children and great grand children, golfing (especially with his grand sons & daughter) receiving two hole in ones; loved his jazz music; was generous helping family and friends; he had a wry sense of humor and loved to imbibe a Korbel Brandy and Seven, in a tall chimney glass with No ice, now and again. A prayer service will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 10947 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., a Celtic Wake (Celebration) will take place following the services at Sharon's Lounge, 11050 Coloma Road, Rancho Cordova. The family would like to especially thank Ritasha "Rita" Walton and Jemila Indris for not only taking care of our parents prior and during their passing, but for also being our friends. We couldn't have done all of this without their compassion, love and support. Donations may be made to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care.