Eugene "Gene" Trosch,age 65, of McCalla, passed away on September 7, 2010, after having bravely fought illnesses over the past six years. Mr. Trosch graduated from Madonna High School in Weirton, West Virginia in 1963. He then moved to Florida and graduated from the University of Miami. After graduation, he was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs where he later played on the Super Bowl IV Championship team. During his 12 year NFL career he also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints, before coming to Alabama to play for the Birmingham Americans. He later was the owner of several businesses in the Bessemer area for over 30 years, including Hatco, Inc. He was also a member of the Bessemer Elks Lodge as well as being an avid golfer. He will be remembered as a caring man that loved his friends and family and was willing to help anyone he could.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Verna Mason Trosch, one son, Erik Trosch of McCalla, two daughters, Bethany Trosch and Melissa (Tanner) Bailey both of McCalla, a niece Amber Allen, and two grandchildren, Caleb Trosch and Aaron Bailey, all of McCalla. In addition, he leaves two sisters, Judith (Thomas) Trosch Stone of Pendleton, Indiana and Zita (Sherman) Trosch Stickles of Weirton, West Virginia. He also leaves numerous nieces nephews and other extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Valhalla Funeral Home with burial to follow in Valhalla Cemetery. The Trosch family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday evening at the funeral home. Friends can also visit from 8:30 am until the time of the service on Saturday morning. Valhalla Funeral Home is honored to serve the Trosch family.