Arthur "Gene" Eugene Troutner

Arthur Eugene, “Gene” Troutner, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and educator, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona. He was 98 years old.

Gene was born on June 25, 1926, in Richmond Township, Crawford County Pennsylvania, to Paul and Madelyn Hutchison Troutner, who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by five brothers, two sisters, and a step-son. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Maria Araiza Troutner; his daughter Ann Troutner; stepdaughter Marisa Hughes; siblings Joanne Dempsey and her husband, Norm of Guys Mills, Pennsylvania and Lois Scott and her husband Gary of Schertz, Texas; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran of World War II, Gene served as a Radarman on the ship USS Gentry in the U.S. Navy, contributing to the European and Pacific theatres. For his service, he was awarded the Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal as well as the European, Pacific and American theatre ribbons.

After the war, Gene took advantage of the GI Bill and pursued higher education. He earned a degree in Public Education from Edinboro State Teachers College, Pennsylvania.  He started his teaching career in Ohio before moving to Arizona.  He then attended Arizona State University where he earned his master’s degree in education. His Arizona teaching career started at San Simon High School in San Simon, Arizona. He then moved  to Tucson to teach mathematics at Pueblo High School, where he inspired countless students over the years. In addition to his dedication to education, Gene spent 25 summers working for the U.S. Forest Service at Woods Canyon Lake, AZ in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing, camping, hiking, and running.  He qualified for and ran the Boston marathon in 1979. A lifelong learner with a natural curiosity for the world around him, he was also known for his artistic talents in jewelry making and his skillful craftsmanship. His peach pies were legendary among those who knew him, as were his captivating stories of his life’s adventures.

For the past twenty-six years, Gene and his wife have lived in the community of Cascabel, north of Benson, AZ.  Gene took great pride in having converted a 1960’s abandoned hillside bomb shelter which existed on the property he and his wife purchased.  He converted the bomb shelter into a large underground storage area. He also did all the finishing touches to their beautiful home which is situated on a hill overlooking the San Pedro River and the eastern slopes of the Rincon mountains.

Gene’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his legacy of kindness, wisdom, and adventure bring comfort to those he leaves behind.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at a later date. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact Marisa Hughes via email at [email protected].