Joseph Trudo

Joseph Scott Trudo, born on October 11, 1942, in McAllen, Texas, was called home on February 21, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. Joe was 82 years old.

As the eldest of seven children to Frank and Ruth (Ross) Trudo, Joe took great responsibility in caring for his younger siblings and supporting his parents. His father’s military assignments took the family across various locales, fostering in Joe a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and environments. From camping in Alaska to attending high school in England and weathering Wyoming’s Blizzard of ’49 in a modest trailer, Joe seized every opportunity to immerse himself in the world around him and learn of its rich history.

Joe attended the University of Texas in Austin before pursuing flight training with the U.S. Army in 1965. He piloted the Bell UH-1 ‘Huey’ helicopter during missions in Vietnam and continued his aviation career with hospitals, energy corporations, and The Bureau of Land Management, flying across terrains from Alaska’s wilderness to the Gulf of Mexico and the deserts of Saudi Arabia. In addition to piloting, Joe was a certified mechanic, maintaining the very helicopters he flew. Beyond aviation, he was an accomplished welder and, for a time, crafted wood-burning stoves. He even attended a blacksmith school in Santa Fe, NM and became a blacksmith. In his later years, he authored two books, The Birthright Blanket and Swan Song. A voracious reader, Joe possessed a vast knowledge of numerous subjects and delighted in sharing intricate details with anyone willing to listen.

Joe had a deep appreciation for firearms, literature, Mexican cuisine, and ice cream—often rotating his interests daily. His spiritual path was grounded in the Catholic faith where his family taught him to love God and serve others. He later became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served tirelessly in many positions predominately in Siloam Springs Arkansas and San Angelo Texas, However it didn’t just end there because Joes faith and his generosity was expressed with anyone he came in contact with. He held a profound love for Texas, frequently singing “The Yellow Rose of Texas” with enthusiasm.

His life was defined by compassion, responsibility, love, discipline, and unwavering faith in God. Even as Parkinson’s disease presented challenges in his later years, Joe’s thoughts remained centered on his family. He never hesitated to widen his family circle to include those whom God brought into his life. His first marriage to Carolyn Ford Trudo gave him the unique opportunity to adopt and embrace her three young boys, and together, they welcomed five more children during their 21 years of marriage. They were all equal in his heart, becoming his life’s greatest work and achievement. He celebrated their highest joys and mourned with them in their lowest moments. Over the years, he logged countless miles crossing the country to visit them, bringing gifts and ensuring they all got to experience Grandpa Joe’s famous enchiladas and chili.

Joe is survived by his wife, Zahida Madi, whom he met later in life and shared his last 12 years with as well as her four children and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his eight children: Major Charles Trudo, USA, Retired (Opal) of Bentonville, AR; Christopher (Tracy) of Bentonville, AR; David (Nicole) of Centerton, AR; Scott (Cindy) of Draper, UT; Danny

(Sabrina) of Lowell, AR; Walter (Michelle) of Bentonville, AR; Matthew (Carol) of Lowell, AR; and Genevieve (Jason) Rich of Fayetteville, AR.

Joe leaves behind 24 grandchildren: Craig (Whitney) Trudo, Kimberly (Michael) Wheeler, Todd Trudo, Natasha (Jacob) Wright, Michael (Mandy) Trudo, Janez Trudo, Haven Tenny, Dawson Tenny, Tyler (Brooke) Trudo, Spencer Trudo, Cade Trudo, Haden Trudo, Hanna (Jake) Peterson, Jaxson Trudo, Camden Trudo, Madden Trudo, Jonathan Trudo, Gabrielle Trudo, Anna Trudo, Paola Trudo, Evie Trudo, Tre Trudo, Tayla Trudo, and Arlo Rich.

He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Ethan, Kylie, Dallin, and Austin Wheeler; Milo, Preston, Nora, and Alana Trudo; Bentley and Sophia Wright; Myla, Cozi, and Ellie Trudo.

Additionally, Joe is survived by his sisters, Patricia Fennell of San Angelo, Texas, and Kathy Denison of Oceanside, Oregon, as well as three brothers, John Trudo and David Trudo, both of San Angelo, and James Trudo of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob Trudo.

Military Honors will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery at 11:30 am on Tuesday March 11th, 2025.