Gary Noel Trogdon, 84, of Perry peacefully transitioned into eternal life on March 22, 2025. Running to greet him in heaven were his cherished fur babies, Butterball, Winnie, Meiko, Navy and Tiger.
Born in Huntington, W.Va., to Minnie and Charles Noel Trogdon, Gary built a life filled with love and laughter. On June 30, 1973, he married his soulmate, Kathy, and together they created a lifetime of cherished memories.
He had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and gardening.
Riding motorcycles brought him great joy, as did grilling and cooking for friends and family gatherings.
Every day, Gary looked forward to coffee in town with his buddies, where they would catch up and share stories.
He loved playing cards, marbles and BINGO, always ready for a friendly game.
Spending time with his mother-in-law, Shirley, at Barnstormers’ games was something Gary truly cherished.
He also loved watching WWE wrestling with his family and friends, and though he couldn’t understand the dialogue in Kung Fu movies, he thoroughly enjoyed the action. Old war movies and science fiction films were among his favorites.
As an avid Hawkeye and Chiefs fan, Gary never missed a collegiate or professional football or basketball game, often making a friendly one-dollar bet against the team you wanted to win just to keep things interesting.
Watching his daughters play sports, even as adults in slow-pitch softball, was a source of great pride for him.
Gary enjoyed traveling through Iowa with Kathy, taking in the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Trips to New Jersey and Pennsylvania to visit his grandbabies were among his happiest moments, especially when he could watch their sports and school events.
In his quiet moments, he found peace sitting outside with his beloved dog, Winnie, and his best friend, Larry.
Gary had a special love for mushroom hunting, and he playfully convinced the girls that if they talked too loud, the mushrooms would retreat back into the ground.
Spontaneous weekend camping trips were a regular adventure, as he would pack up the girls and set off without a second thought.
At home, Gary adored his six cats, often playing with them and petting them until they all drifted off to sleep together.
He had a warm smile and a friendly “hello” for everyone he met. A beloved presence in his neighborhood, Gary was known for stopping to chat with neighbors during his walks around the pond. To Gary, there was no such thing as a stranger—just friends he hadn’t met yet.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Virginia Trogdon; his in-laws, Virginia and Clarence Evans and Shirley Paulas; his brothers, Edwin and Edgar Trogdon; his sisters, Nadean and Rosie Trogdon; his aunt, Evelyn Mobley; and dear friends, Larry Thompson and Ann Porter.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathy; children, Shawna and Michael Jung of Perry and Kimberly and Bill Krebs of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He was a proud grandfather to Abigail and Will Noel Krebs of Bethlehem. He is also survived by his nephew, Rodney (Lorrie) Trogdon of Clive; along with many other nieces; nephews; cousins; and cherished friends.
A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29, followed by a service at 2 p.m., at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-Perry Chapel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. De Francisco’s office and Aspire of Perry for the excellent care they provided to Gary.
