JACK S. TROGDON

Jack S. Trogdon, 91, of Republic passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. He was a resident at The Township Senior Living Memory Cottage in Battlefield. Trogdon was born February 21, 1931, to Daniel C. Trogdon and Ethel (Matthews) Trogdon on the family farm west of Republic. He was baptized in their farm’s creek by the minister from Hopewell Baptist Church.
As a child he attended St. Elmo rural school where he was introduced to basketball. At home he spent many hours shooting hoops on the side of their chicken house. He said he learned his jump shot by trying to shoot over his taller sister Sue.
His love of basketball continued at Republic High School, playing with the varsity team his freshman year. He was part of the 1947-1948 Republic High School team that was the first for the school to play in a state tournament.  The following year, 1948-1949 the team again qualified for the Missouri State championship, which at that time was only one class. He held the single game scoring record for Republic of 53 points for many years, with a game average of 23.9 points.
His love of sports also included baseball. At graduation he received scouting letters from the St Louis Cardinals, who visited his parents on the farm, and the New York Yankees.
He stayed close to home and played basketball for the Southwest Missouri State Bears.
In January 1951, he married his high school sweetheart Patsy Woodfill. They enjoyed a long and loving life together of almost 70 years before Patsy’s passing in Sept of 2020. As Patsy’s health declined, he made sure that they could remain together with the care she needed. He never left her side.
Trogdon spent most of his working career as manager of the Springfield Credit Bureau. He served as President of the Missouri Credit Association. He retired in 1998.
He was very involved in the beef cattle industry by raising and showing registered Shorthorn, Maine-Anjou and then Limousin cattle. He co-owned Tro-Jon Cattle Company and Woodbrook Farms.
He involved his children in the cattle business by supporting and attending many local junior shows and fairs and serving as Jot-Em Down 4-H Leader.
Trogdon was a charter member of the Republic Kiwanis Club and served on the Republic School Board. He was also a charter and active member of the Republic Historical Society.
Trogdon is survived by his daughters Debbie McMurtrey (Alan), and Terry Mooneyham, and one son Jerry Trogdon (Shirl); seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his wife Patsy Woodfill Trogdon, brother Dan Trogdon, sisters Virginia Lauderback and Sue Steele, and son Joe Wayne Trogdon.
Visitation was from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 with service to follow at Meadors Funeral Home, Republic.
Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery, also in Republic.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Republic Historical Society, 146 N Main Republic MO 65738.