It is with deep sorrow and yet eternal hope that we announce the homegoing of Rev. Donald E. Trott II, a faithful servant of the Lord and an integral part of the ABWE community for decades. Don was called to his eternal home on Friday, October 13, 2023, after a season of illness. He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 63 years, Ruth, and two of their daughters.
Born on May 9, 1941, Don felt the call to serve early in life. He and Ruth were appointed as missionaries in the newly-opened field of Hong Kong in 1965, where Don quickly assumed the role of acting director of the Bible institute. He later returned to the US for a medical furlough and took the opportunity to minister among college students through 1974.
In 1988, Don returned to ABWE to serve in the Enlistment Department (now Mobilization) alongside Dr. Bill Commons. By 1994, he was named the Executive Administrator of Enlistment and Pre-Field Ministries, a role he fulfilled until 2007. His tireless efforts in mobilizing new missionaries have left an indelible mark on our organization.
Don’s dedication continued to expand beyond the confines of ABWE’s headquarters. His efforts in raising support and personnel for hospital ministry in Togo and the Balkans STEAM school have had a lasting global impact. He even leveraged relationships outside of ABWE to secure funds and resources, epitomizing the spirit of Christian stewardship.
Don is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Deborah, Rebekah, Martha, Judy, Elisabeth, and Jon; and a community deeply impacted by his faith. They had been residing in Dillsburg, Pa., and were members of Bible Baptist Church in Shiremanstown, Pa. They moved to Cary, N.C., just a month ago due to Don’s failing health. The Trott family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the ABWE community for the outpouring of love and support, especially over the past three months.
As we grieve the loss of our dear brother in Christ, we also celebrate a life well-lived for the glory of God and the fact that Don is now face to face with the Lord he loved and served. We commend Don for his extraordinary service and pray for God’s comfort to surround Ruth and the family during this time.
