620-347-4200
517 E Washington St, Arma, KS 66712

GARY DEAN TROGDON September 23, 1939 - August 21, 2024

Gary Dean Trogdon (84) died peacefully at his home in Arma, KS, on August 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 September 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.

Memorial
Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice

Condolences(3)

  1. REPLY
    Beth Moore says

    Dear Sug, Sherry, Pat, Shelly, Mike, Luke, and Christian,
    We were so sorry to hear about Gary. We have so many wonderful memories of him at the Cauldwell Family Reunions! He was always so much fun to be around. We will always remember his kind, sweet, “quiet and funny at the same time” personality. I was so blessed to be able to visit with him last month. What beautiful memories. He was such a wonderful man who loved his family. May you be comforted by precious memories and love of family.
    Love, Beth (niece) and David Moore

  2. REPLY
    Leslie Seifert says

    Shelly and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. REPLY
    Bryan Trogdon says

    Aunt Myrtle, Shelley and Sherry. I’m so sorry to hear of Uncle Gary’s passing. I’m imagining him and dad smiling at each other and exploring a vast, golden wheat field where time and age no longer matter.

    I know my words are not nearly adequate to lift the weight of your loss, but I can assure you that time does help and the memories of his laugh, love and presence will always stay with you.

    Deepest sympathies,
    Bryan

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