died on Sunday night, April 17, at Mercy South Hospital after a long battle with mesothelioma. Bill was a caring husband, a great Dad, a proud Veteran, and the best Paw Paw there ever was. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to help you. Bill grew up in St. Louis City before moving to Jefferson Barracks, where he met the love of his life Cathy Cliffe who lived just down the street. He was drafted into the Army out of high school and served in the Army during the Vietnam War. Bill and Cathy were married once he returned. He was a lithographer by trade for over 35 years. His absolute pride and joy were his 11 grandkids. He would brag about each and every one of them to anyone who would stand still. Bill grew up around cars, with his father owning a gas station and garage where he would work. He was a real “car guy,” frequently attending car cruises throughout the Midwest, and he was always on the lookout for cool cars when vacationing or even watching television and movies.
Bill was preceded in life by his father, Homer, his mother, Ruth, and his brother, Rich. Bill is survived by his wife Cathy, his children – Becky (Rob), Will (Brian), Carey (Rob), and Amanda (Tony), and his grandchildren – Kali, Kennedy, Grant, Riley, Braeden, Casen, Kai, Miles, Campbell, Dempsey, and Malaya.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, on Tuesday, April 26, from 4-8 pm. A funeral mass in his honor will be held on Wednesday, April 27 at St. Bernadette 68 Sherman Ave, St. Louis, at 10 am, followed by a gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you to make a donation in Bill’s memory to either: Siteman Cancer Center which specializes in patient care, leading-edge research, education, and prevention programs. Or Humane Society of Missouri because he loved animals so much.
Bill was a great guy and will be missed at the BK round table.
patriciaahyde@gmail.com So sorry for your loss to all the Trokey’s and to all the Cliffe’s with all my love Patty Hyde
Bill was great, him and his brother Rich were a big influence on me and my love and enjoyment of cars, I grew up down the street from them. I will miss you, always enjoyed talking with you. Rest in peace
Cathy & Family,
What a beautiful obituary for a wonderful guy! My sincere sympathy on Bill’s passing. I know he will be missed by his family and friends.
Mickey & Lou Jobst
Cathy and Family,
We care deeply for you all. We pray for you to find peace and comfort in your memories.
Love,
Cynthia and Jim
I can remember Friday nights with Bill at Steak N Shake. Bill was introduction to his friends in the city as I was a county boy. After we both were married we didn,t see much of each other but one day I was stuck at Sunrise Drive and Union Road in the snow and who shows up but Bill Trokey! Two years later I am stuck in the same spot and Bill reappears! It seems that Bill I was always there when you needed him! Thanks for your friendship. Pat O’Donnell
Farewell my friend. You will be missed.
I will miss him honking at me when drives by the house, at CBP lunches and joking with me. My prayers are with all of you.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Although I never met him, I have heard many stories. I know he was a wonderful man, because he helped shape an extraordinary son, Will. Thinking of you all during this time. Big virtual hugs!!!
We are deeply saddened by the news of Bill’s passing. We pray that God will grant you the strength needed during this time. Peace and comfort to all.