Keith was born on December 14, 1923 in Baker, Montana, the son of Bess and Mike Trout. He attended school in Baker, Montana until 1939, when his parents and he moved to Miles City. Here he attended Custer County High School and graduated in 1941.
Keith was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad for 43 years. In 1943 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre in World War II until July of 1945. His group was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for heroism in action in the offensive against Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, an island less than one mile square. For eight days the small atoll witnessed some of the most bitter and intense fighting of the Pacific War. When it was over, 4630 Japanese and 1115 Americans had been killed. Only 17 Japanese were taken prisoner. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
Upon returning to the States, he and Bernice Comstock were married in Miles City on July 31, 1945. In 1948 he was elected State Representative from Custer County and re-elected in 1950. He also served as president of the Miles City Trades and Labor Council and Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee. For many years Keith and his wife had a dance bad, playing not only in Miles City but around Southeastern Montana.
In 1962 he was transferred to Deer Lodge, Montana as Round House Forman, and in 1964 to Milwaukee, Wisconsin as System Steamfitting Supervisor, where he and his family resided for 49 years.
Survivors include his wife Bernice Trout and a son, Keith W. Trout Jr. of Lino Lakes, MN; a brother Paul (Rosemary) Trout of Erie, CO; a sister-in-law, Betty Lou (Wayne) Helland of Miles City, MT; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Janet Helland.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Paul Bratonja says
I would have rather sent a card Bernice but we don’t have your address. We were very sorry to hear the news of Keith. May the Lord provide you and Keith Jr. with His peace through your pain. Your in our thougths and prayers, Paul, Donna, Lauren & Kristen. Franklin Wisconsin
Joe and Sandra Konkright says
Sorry to hear of your loss. We will always remember Keith as a great musician and person. Joe enjoyed playing with Keith and Bernice in the early 60’s. God bless your family.
Bruce Ballentine says
Keith was a very special person and it certainly was my privilege to have had him as a dear friend and co-worker. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bernice and their son during these sad times of their loss.
Bruce and Amy Ballentine
Helen (Raymond) Lucas and Paul Lucas says
We are sorry to learn of Keith’s passing. We fondly remember all the good times we had dancing to his band at Harmony Hangout and the highschool. His parents and Helen’s parents were such good friends – both working at the Midland Lumber Company. May you be blessed with wonderful memories. God Bless.
Bob Biffle says
Sorry to learn of Keith’s and Bernice’s deaths. They were both good friends in high school and Keith and I started school together in the first grade.
Condolences,
Bob