More detail on this person: TRAUT, LT. COLONEL EARL WILLIAM, USMC, RET., age 78, of Clermont died at home after a brief illness Monday, April 18, 2005. He was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, on September 15, 1926. Upon graduation from Wauwatosa East High School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, he enlisted in the Navy and later entered the ROTC program at the University of Wisconsin where he finished his degree in mechanical and electrical engineering. After completion of his degree, he went to Navy flight training school in Corpus Christi, TX, and Pensacola, FL. After receiving his wings, he chose to fly as a member of the Marine Corps. During his 20 years with the Marine Corps, he flew 101 combat missions during the Korean War and was a commander of a helicopter rescue squadron during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the military in 1968, Earl worked for 15 years at Disney before retiring in 1992. He was actively involved for many years with the Orange County Jail Ministry. He enjoyed working in his orange grove, raising the orchids he collected from all over the world, and driving one of his vintage Ford Mustangs. He is survived by his wife, Lenda, of Clermont; one brother, Donald Traut of Fort Lauderdale; three daughters, Tanza Smith of Georgetown, TX, Etta Menke of Batesville, IN, and Lora Traut of Clermont; Scott Traut, a grandson he raised as a son; three stepsons, John and Joe of Minneola and Ric of Spartanburg, SC; 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate his life Saturday, April 23 at 2PM at the Grace Community Church, 14244 John's Lake Rd., Clermont. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the American Cancer Society
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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