Howard Troutman, Sr

Howard Glenn Troutman, Sr., of Midland went to Heaven on Sunday, May 13, 2012. He was born in Mecklenburg County to the late Ida Susan and Lewis Samuel Troutman. He is predeceased by Elizabeth, his wife of 57 years, and his brothers, Marvin, Carl, and Leonard. He was next to the oldest of nine children and worked to help support his family with farming. He started his career with Western and Southern Life Insurance Company which he continued for thirty-seven years. Howard set standards for excellence in the insurance business, ranking number one in the company numerous times. He was rewarded with the satisfaction of helping people and earned many company honors. Howard is remembered for his great sense of humor and endless reels of jokes which he could produce when something “kinda reminded him”. He had a persistent positive attitude and was the ultimate believer in “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. He had mercy on those less fortunate than himself and always appreciated what he had. He believed in hard work, fun and generosity. Howard grew wonderful produce and gave away more from his garden than he kept for himself. He loved his children and grandchildren and did everything possible for them, prioritizing and supporting education. He was strong in body and spirit with great common sense and sound advice. Howard loved the beach, fishing, gardening, following his children and grandchildren’s sports activities and was an avid UNC fan. He is survived by his daughter, Susan and husband, Crayne, his son H. G. and wife, Sharon, and his son Jeffrey; a special friend, Bettie Greene; his siblings, Harold Troutman and wife, Alice, Ann Brown, Bill Troutman and wife, Hilda, Louise Smith and husband, Hilton, Jean Clontz and husband, Garry; and grandchildren, Jason Godfrey, Tara Troutman, Katie Troutman and Hallie Troutman. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, in the Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel of Midland officiated by Rev. Tom Gibbs. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte. Memorials may be made to the Midland Volunteer Fire Department, 12805 Hwy. 601 South, Midland, NC 28107. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Troutman family.