Wilda Jo Trout was born in the east Texas town of Cooper October 17, 1926. She passed peacefully May 1, 2020.
Jo was the second child of two daughters and three sons born to Lura and Paul Webb. In her early years, her family moved to the Texas Panhandle. Following graduation from Tulia High School in 1944, Jo enrolled at North Texas State College in Denton. As a sophomore, she was introduced to Robert Lee (Bob) Trout because the two of them happened to have the same birthday (October 17). They were married on February 14, 1947. After graduating, Bob began working for Montgomery Ward. That same year, 1948, in September, Jo and Bob welcomed their daughter, Bobbie. Jo was a full-time mother and housewife, while Bob was assistant manager and manager of various small Montgomery Ward stores throughout Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Robert Lee Trout Junior (Lee) was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 17, 1953.
The Trout family lived in Louisiana from 1957-58, but had the chance to return to Texas in 1959 when the Big Town Shopping Center (the first enclosed mall in north Texas) opened. Jo began working in the payroll department at the new Montgomery Ward, while Bob was sporting goods manager. Jo worked there until she retired in 1981.
Upon retirement, Jo’s creative talents began to expand. In 1984, she decided to submit an entry in creative arts to the State Fair of Texas. She won “fourth premium” for a pheasant feather wreath and was hooked. She went on to win twelve ribbons from 1984 through 2009, including “first premium” for a Christmas swan, “best of show” for a Christmas tree skirt made from a friend’s wedding dress, and “first premium” for a jewelry Christmas tree.
Despite losing Bob in 1988 and Lee in 1998, Jo continued her creativity and love of life. She assisted with floral arranging classes at Evans Center in Mesquite throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. She was a member of the Town East Mall walkers from the early 1990’s. For many years, Jo enjoyed having a Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuit and Dr. Pepper before going to walk a round or two at the mall. Jo’s all-time favorite pastime from an early age was dancing. For many years, she joined dear friends at dances as often as possible in Mesquite, Garland and Caddo Mills.
Jo was preceded in death by her parents Lura and Paul Webb, her beloved husband Bob and dear son Lee, her sister Bess McWilliams, and brother Paul Howard Webb. Jo is survived by her daughter, Bobbie and son-in-law Marvin Elke, brothers Bill Webb and E. J. (Jeep) Webb, and loving nieces and nephews, particularly nephew Larry McWilliams and his wife Christy and nephew Paul McWilliams and his wife Leslie. She leaves behind many special friends who always enjoyed much laughter and many hugs with Jo.
Graveside services will be held 2:30 pm Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas. The family will gather with friends at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rowlett Location prior to the service from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. No more than 10 people at one time will be allowed to gather in the funeral home, and face masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution made in Jo’s name to the charity of choice. The family of Jo Trout wish to thank everyone for taking time to remember and honor the life of our dear, sweet Jo.
