Freeman Trotter

FREEMAN J. TROTTER

Age 81 of Coal City, passed away Wednesday evening November 23, 2005 at his home.

Born July 27, 1924 in Wauponsee Township, Freeman was a son of the late Robert B. and Blanche I. (Mahon) Trotter. He was raised and educated in Coal City and graduated with the Coal City High School Class of 1942. After high school Freeman worked for Trotter's Dairy Farm and on September 11, 1948 he married Betty Bonucci in the New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City. Together they lived their entire married life in Coal City. In 1961 Freeman went to work at the First National Bank of Coal City, where he served as President and retired after 35 years. Freeman was a lifelong member of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Coal City, where he served as Treasurer and Trustee; he served as treasurer of the Coal City Unit #1 School District for 26 years and was a Basketball Statistician for Coal City High School for 56 years. Freeman was inducted into the Illinois High School Coaches Hall of Fame and was the official IHSA State Basketball Tournament Scorekeeper in Champaign for 2 years. He was a District 18 Little League Administrator and a former member of the ABC Club, as well as lifelong Cub Fan and High School Sports enthusiast.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years Betty; one daughter Deborah Ann (Stephen) Kasak of Champaign and three sons: Neil Lee (Honor) Trotter, Mark Lane Trotter and Noel Robert (Debi) Trotter, all of Coal City. Nine grandchildren: Christopher Kasak and Emily Kasak of Champaign, Katherine Trotter and Matthew Trotter, both of Chicago and Terri (Randy) Trotter Earley, John Trotter, Dana Trotter, Benjamin Trotter and Nicholas Trotter, all of Coal City. One sister Amy Louise (Robert) Anderson of Kalamazoo, Michigan and one brother Arthur (June) Trotter of Coal City, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Freeman was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday November 27, 2005 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 80 North Garfield Street at First Street in Coal City. Freeman will then lie in state Monday November 28, 2005 from 9:00AM until time of funeral service 10:00AM in the church. Rev. Larry Boutelle will officiate and burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Ben Trotter, Nick Trotter, John Trotter, Matt Trotter, Chris Kasak and Randy Earley. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Terri Trotter Earley, Katie Trotter, Emily Kasak and Dana Trotter.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Freeman's name to the Freeman Trotter Athletic Scholarship, c/o Coal City High School Athletic Director, 655 West Division Street, Coal City, IL 60416 or New Hope Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 80 North Garfield, Coal City, Illinois 60416.

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd., Coal City.