Robert “Bob” Trout

Robert William “Bob” Trout, 86, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away on October 21, 2026, at Cedar Hill Care Center. Bob was born May 21, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late James William Trout and Ruth Eleanor Swigert Trout.
Bob was a dependable, deeply loyal friend and family man. Those who were fortunate enough to be part of his inner circle relied on his calm guidance and frequently received his grounding hugs. He grew up in Athens, Ohio, the older brother to three sisters; Terry, Lee, and Lynne. The siblings enjoyed time spent together on family vacations, and at their grandparents’ home, especially during the holidays.

Growing up, Bob and his best friend Skip played war, explored their town’s landscape, and joined Boy Scouts. The pair’s adventures formed fond memories that Bob often shared. By high school, Bob discovered a love for acting, often performing in summer stock theater. He also enjoyed staying active with sports, playing tennis and football. An avid reader, Bob enjoyed Sci-Fi, Mysteries, Theology, and American History titles. He graduated from Athens High School in 1958.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army as a member of the 2nd Battle Group, 23rd Infantry at Fort Benning. Though he served during a time of peace, he took immense pride in wearing his country’s uniform, standing ready while stationed in Germany. His time in the military instilled in him a deep sense of duty, patriotism, and camaraderie that he carried throughout his life.

Upon his return from Germany, while spending the summer at the Methodist Campground in Lancaster, he became reacquainted with Judy McCandlish. Their budding friendship turned into long distance dating, while Bob was working for the Norfolk and Western Railroad in Lorain. Judy was the love of Bob’s life, and they were married during the Summer of Love on July 1, 1967. Their love was steadfast in their faith, and they raised their only child, a daughter, Jennifer, with an abundance of patience, protection, respect, praise, creativity, and unconditional love.
Over the next 30 years, Bob commuted to Columbus, first to Columbus & Southern, then following a merger, as an operations supervisor for AEP.

Bob was a very engaged father and “Papaw” and enjoyed sharing his favorite hobbies with his family. He found pure joy in his down time by working with his hands. Through planning for and tending to his beloved vegetable garden, he taught his daughter and grandchildren the magical process of turning a seedling into a plant that would produce a ready-to-eat tomato off the vine in his own backyard. He revered the woodworking talent and craftsmanship of his grandfather, Horatio Gates Trout, as well as that of his father-in-law, Francis William McCandlish. He skillfully honed his own craft through the repairs, restoration, and special projects that added cozy charm to the home he shared with his family for 50 years.

Bob and his wife, Judy, supported the ZHS girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, walked from their home to attend football games every Friday night, and for several years, acted as treasurers for the ZHS Band Boosters. During those years, he essentially became a second dad to many band students, a role he treasured.

He will lovingly be remembered by his daughter, Jenny (Doug) Whetsell of Fort Collins, CO; his grandchildren, Tyler and Hannah Whetsell of Fort Collins, CO; his sisters, Terry (Tom) Anthony of Westerville, OH, Lee (Rik) Geis of Berlin, NJ, and Lynne Phoenix of Takoma Park, MD; and his sisters-in-law, Rebecca McCandlish of Zanesville and Cindy McCandlish of Worthington, OH. He also leaves nieces and nephews to cherish his memory: Matt (Christy) McCandlish, Anna (James) Young, Libby (Bo) Hitchens, all of Zanesville; Michael (Talya Davidoff) McCandlish of Brooklyn, NY; Emma (Nathan) Lindholm of Worthington; Ryan (Heather) Anthony of Westerville; Mark (Allison) Phillips of Indian Mills, NJ; Michael (Amy) Phillips of Swedesboro, NJ; Lynlee (Casey) Phillips of Lewes, DE; Joseph (Robin Marion) Harre of Washington, D.C.; and Rachel (Mark Hartman) Harre of Barboursville, VA. In addition, he leaves behind many friends, especially Pat Spencer and her daughters, Lori Burkhart and Staci Allen, who were very much like daughters to Bob.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved dogs, Roscoe and Skylar, and his cherished wife, Judy Trout. Just as they were inseparable in life, they are whole and together again in death.

A special note of gratitude to the staff of Sterling Suites, Cedar Hill, and Hospice of Central Ohio. Several friends, nurses, case workers, and caregivers created a deep and cheerful sense of community in a short amount of time while providing exceptional and intuitive care.

Bob quietly gave his love freely, was loved fiercely, and will now be deeply missed by all.

Friends may join us for a Celebration of Life at First Christian Church on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 am, at 3000 Dresden Road, Zanesville, Rev. Laureen Roe officiating. Following the service, Bob and Judy will be interred together at Zanesville Memorial Park. Military Honors will be presented by the United States Army and VFW Post 1058 in honor of Bob’s service to his country. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the Mission Oaks Gardens at www.mccf.org/mvparkdist
To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com