of Harrison, AR
September 27, 1934 - August 25, 2021
Dennis "Buddy" Trotter, Jr., age 86, of Harrison, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, August 25, 2021, in Springfield, Missouri. Buddy was born on September 27, 1934, in Harrison, the son of Dennis Eldred and Elva Mae (Parker) Trotter. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Wanda Lee Hudson; and his brother, Ralph Parker Trotter.
As a young child, Dennis became known as "Buddy". He went to school at Crooked Creek and graduated from Harrison High School in 1951 at the age of 16. He was active in FFA, judging and competing with his Jersey and beef cattle and eventually earning the American Farmer Degree. Buddy was a disabled American Veteran, serving in the United States Army. He married Mary Helen Anderson in June 1955, later settling on the Trotter home place in the Gaither Community. In 1956, he bought his first registered Quarter Horse stallion and continued to raise and ride good horses all his life. Buddy retired from the Harrison Post Office with 30 years of service in 1990 and went home to ranch. He was recognized as a Farm Bureau Senior Farmer of the Year. He enjoyed his family, especially his great-grandchildren, baling hay, working cows, and visiting with his many friends.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Trotter, of the home; his daughters, Denise Trotter of Elkins, Arkansas and Helen Trotter and her husband Doug Hammond of Harrison; his sister, Alice Crain, of Nixa, Missouri; his grandsons, Tee Griffith and wife Angie of Harrison and Drew Griffith and wife Courtney of Harrison; his granddaughters, Hattie Anastasio of St. Louis, Missouri and Manda Jo Griffith of Niangua, Missouri; 12 great-grandchildren; and another on the way; and a host of other family and friends.
Graveside service was held Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at White Church Cemetery, with Jimmy Dale Huskey officiating. Visitation was an hour prior to the funeral at the cemetery.
Pallbearers were Lance Wohlgemuth, Ron Wallace, Kevin Parker, Eddie Claybrook, Gary Brazzeal, Jeff Waters, Jerry Dillon, and Billy Wallace.
Honorary pallbearers were Jody Waters, Tim Gilley, Tad Bell, and all the other Krooked Kreek One Stop Coffee Drinkers.
Flowers are appreciated and memorials may be made to White Church Cemetery, C/O John Wilson Wray 16 Wray Lane Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
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24 Condolence(s)
Tammy Rogers
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Helen so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Rogenia Sharp
Monday, August 30, 2021
So glad I had this great Man in my life. He always had a smile and big hug for me. When alot of things happen in my life Buddy was there arms wide open. As kids we didn't know who lucky we were. From sleep over to Horse shows, Rodeo, riding down the dirt roads. Buddy made sure if I needed a horse he had one for me. RIP my second Dad I know you are in a great place riding the best horses telling great stories and having long talks with your friends. Your back in the saddle again signing and laughing.
Jim carter
Sunday, August 29, 2021
So sorry for your loss Buddy was a true friend
Skip and Mary Lynn Emmett
Sunday, August 29, 2021
We are so very sorry. Prayers that God will comfort Mary, Denise, Helen and all the family and give you peace at this most sorrowful time.
JAY BOAZ
Sunday, August 29, 2021
Sorry for your loss have known Buddy for many years and had lots of good conversations with him he will be missed
Wayne Cone
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Having known this man all my life I can say that he was an amazing man. Buddy you will be missed. Thanks for all you did for White Church.
Sandra Farmer
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Trotter Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Buddy was a good man and will be missed by so many. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Praying for the Lord’s strength and comfort for each of you. Sincerely, Gary and Sandra Farmer
MaryJean Stockton Smith
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Mary Helen my prayers are with you and the girls at this sad time.
patty l raley
Saturday, August 28, 2021
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to all of Buddy's family at this sad time. It is hard to believe he is no longer with us. He will be truly be missed for his wit, and his loving heart.
Patty Raley
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Buddy was a sweet, loving, very funny family man and he was my cousin. Since I was a small child I have always enjoyed being with Buddy and Mary Helen. He will be missed.
Garry Barnard
Friday, August 27, 2021
Worked along side Buddy for many years at the post office. My condolences to his family. Buddy was always a lot of fun to talk to and laugh with.
Tony & Karen Cox
Friday, August 27, 2021
Buddy and my daddy were friends he had a lot of daddy stories. When Tony and I married Buddy and Tony were close. Buddy would always tell me a daddy story. His expertise benefited people he didn't even know it did. He poured a concrete floor in a old house, termites had ate the floor. When my mom had termites in a house I told her do what Buddy did, pour a concrete floor. Her reply how did he get the concrete in there. Through the window!! When you left Buddy Trotter he was so upbeat you felt better when you left than when you came. Our world just got a little dimmer, but, you can bet Buddy had a good joke for the gate keeper in heaven. We love you and will miss you Buddy Trotter.
Kathy L Parker
Friday, August 27, 2021
Buddy you were such a large part of my growing up years. I spent about as much time with your girls at your house as I did at mine. We rode, a lot, most every day (and some nights, too), many miles. Along with other precious friend families we competed at many horse shows and had more fun than anyone else ever had. When my bay mare broke her back, you were one of the men that picked her up and loaded her by hand into the trailer to take to Doc Hamm. In recent years I loved getting to see you having coffee when I showed up twice a year to work James Starkey's cattle. You always had a good hug for me and that grin. Love and prayers for comfort to the family. I know you are riding the best horse on the best day in the deepest grass right now.
Jane Ahrends
Friday, August 27, 2021
Denise,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your family. Sounds like your Dad was an incredible man. I am so glad you have many great memories.
James D. Bryant
Friday, August 27, 2021
As Pastor of the Gaither Baptist Church and long-time acquaintance of Buddy, I express for my self and the church our prayer support for the family during this loss of a Gaither community special friend and leader.
Brenda widner lynn
Friday, August 27, 2021
So so sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength.
Sherry Nichols
Friday, August 27, 2021
So sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing! My dad knew him, & I knew him growing up , went to school & 4H with Denise and Helen.
Prayers for the family.
Bill Hamm
Friday, August 27, 2021
Prayers for the family
Susan McDonald
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Sending Prayers for yall who are left to carry on with this hole in your hearts.
Norman christenson
Thursday, August 26, 2021
So sorry to hear this.
MARTHA WBURN
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Thoughts and prayers are with you and yours, Mary Helen. For His Sake
Melissa Lowery Neeley
Thursday, August 26, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Trotter family and friends.
JD & Kayla Moore
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Prayers for the family! That God will be with you and keep his hand of protection upon you!! Amen!!
Lonna Armstrong
Thursday, August 26, 2021
I only knew Buddy for a very short time but loved him immediately, we had great conversations about farming, cows, and horses, he reminded me so much of my own Grandpa that it was easy to adore him. His love of his family and his farm shined brightly. I was happy I got to meet him, he will hold a special place in my heart. Continued thoughts and prayers for the family, God Bless
Lonna Armstrong Rn