Gary Dean Trogdon, 84, died peacefully at his home in Arma, KS, on Aug. 21,2024 surrounded by the presence of his loving family. He was the devoted husband of 55 years to the love of his life, Myrtle ‘Sug’ Cauldwell. Proud father of his two daughters whom he loved unconditionally, Sherry (Pat) McCool and Shelly (Mike) Bodensteiner, and loving grandfather of Luke and Christian McCool.
Gary was born on Sept. 23, 1939, and grew up on a farm outside of Hugoton, KS, the son of Lester and Irene (Cohenour) Trogdon. He spent his childhood, along with his adult years, sowing mischief with his brother and best friend, Keith. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and geology at Fort Hays State University, he joined the Army in 1964, where he was honorably discharged in 1968. He relocated to Liberal, KS, where he went to work as a licensed land surveyor and met ‘Sug’ and raised his family. After 40 years working as a surveyor, he retired and moved to Arma, KS, to be closer to his kids and grandkids.
Gary had a passion for exploring the outdoors with his brother, Keith, and his brother-in-law, Floyd Hiler. Hours were spent in the hot, Kansas sun, collecting arrowheads and looking for dinosaur bones, with a cooler of beer nearby. Family vacations included treks to National Parks, and when he wasn’t outdoors, he enjoyed his other biggest hobby, rooting on his sports teams. He loved all teams Kansas and Kansas City, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, KU Jayhawks and KSU Wildcats, who rewarded his devotion with several championships over the latter years of his life. He relished over 25 years of fantasy football draft weekends with his son-in-law and friends, where he was known as the ‘Buschman’ and the ‘Godfather’ by his fellow owners. He was legendary to the other owners for his love of beer and ability to keep up with those 30 years younger.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Gary is survived by his sister, Joyce Bradshaw (Trogdon) and his sister-in-law Carol Hiler (Caudwell). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Keith, and many brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.
Being a man of few words, it was Gary’s wish not to have a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Gary Trogdon can be directed to support the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice at www.hynesmemorial.org/ways-to-donate and online condolences can be left at www.bedenefuneralhome.com.
