Alan Noble Trobe

Alan Noble Trobe, 76, passed from this life Monday, January 4th due to Covid-19. Like other victims of this pandemic, newspapers will list him as just another number. In truth, though, Alan went by many names throughout his life. Everyone had something different to call him, but he always answered.

To his mother, he was Buster, a “buster baby,” larger than life from the very beginning. He was born August 25, 1944 in Greencastle, Indiana to Carmen Lucille (Minnick) Trobe. He attended IPS School #81 and Arsenal Technical High School, and he loved playing basketball.

To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was Grandpa, Grandfather, Tapaw, At, Bubba, Darling. Every child found their own word to call to him, to shout when running to his arms – our very own Kodak moments. The name we said as we touched the top of his head, marveling at the softness of the fine hair circling his crown. He was the man who could become grandfather to those without one, whose heart continued to grow with each family addition.

To his children and their loves, he was Dad, Daddy, Pa, Big Al, Al. He was the man who worked long hours but always found time for his family in coaching little league or helping deliver newspaper routes, the man who read Jaws on the drive down to Florida, the man who always knew the best spot to set up for a day at the beach. He was a man to have a drink with, even when first meeting him on a date with his daughter. A man who cared about the greater good enough to serve as a Democratic Voting Registrar and as a dedicated Committeeman for UAW Local 933. He passed his ideals of a better world on to his children and grandchildren.

To his wife, he was Alan, Sweetheart, Love, Handsome Devil and Oh, Sweet Mystery of Life. A man to fall in love with over a game of volleyball and never look back. A man to take walks with through all their 57 years together. A man who knew all the answers to the crossword puzzle… Unless she knew them first. He was a man to take a convertible out in the rain, to introduce his family to the lights of Vegas, the delights of Bourbon Street, the comforts of Sanibel. A man who was always ready to share a treat of stove-popped popcorn or a glass of Verdi or even a rich dark coffee.

A man of many names, many callings, to all of which he answered without fail. A man we will continue to call on through our stories and our memories. A man who will live through the love of his family for the rest of our days.

We miss you, Alan Noble Trobe. We love you. In time, we will cry a little less, and we’ll feel your absence a little softer in our lives, even though the ache will never fully dissipate.

Alan leaves us all to join his son, Alan David, his mother, Lucy, and his mother- and father-in-law, Edith and Everett Wiggington, who loved him like a son.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Trobe, children Dawn (Rod) Hamilton and Adam (Kim) Trobe, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

And until we meet again, your name will stay forever in our hearts, doubly Noble and always remembered by those who love you.

Arrangements and cremation through Flanner-Buchanan of Indianapolis, interment to follow at Washington Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Democratic National Committee, and the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen. If none of these charitable associations strike your heart, then in the memory of Al, just wear the damn mask and get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Lewy Body Dementia Association

912 Killian Hill Rd SW

Lilburn, GA 30047

Democratic National Committee

430 South Capitol Street Southeast

Washington, D.C. 20003

Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen

202 E. Main St.

Greenfield, IN 46140