Walter O. Trowbridge

Walter O. Trowbridge passed away peacefully and in the presence of his family on September 14th, 2022. He was born on January 22, 1930, in Monroe Michigan, to Cecil A. Trowbridge and Helen (Miller) Trowbridge and dedicated his life to public service. Walter was a 1948 graduate of Monroe Highschool and attended Michigan State University Business Management School. He married the love of his life, Juanita M. Barnes, on April 29th, 1951, at Williams Airforce Base in Chandler, Arizona. Sadly, she preceded him in death on December 22, 2015 after 64 years of marriage. He was a Korean War Veteran and served in the United States Marine Corp Reserve in the F4U Corsair Fighter Squadron, VMF-251. Walter also served in the United States Airforce and was stationed for 2 years at the Nagoya Komaki Air Base during the Korean War. Upon completion of his 6 years of military services, he was hired by Charles G. (Bud) Harrington on January 1st, 1955, as Chief Deputy of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. He served for 32 years at the Sheriff’s office in the capacity of Chief Deputy and Under Sheriff and was elected Sheriff in 1984. During his time at the Sheriff’s Department, he was in command of or active in the Marine Division, Dive Team, K-9 Unit with his faithful K-9 partner Bruno, Aviation Unit, Motorcycle Traffic Safety Unit and Competitive Pistol Team. He was a certified Bomb Technician and held a U.S Coast Guard issued Captain’s License. Walter was instrumental in developing numerous Drug and Special Investigation Units within the department during his tenor. In 1962, in addition to his duties at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, he was appointed as the Monroe County Civil Defense Director. After his retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, he owned and operated Trowbridge Private Security and Investigation, and he received his Master’s Motorcycle Mechanics Certification from The American School of Motorcycle Repair. He enjoyed building performance and touring motorcycles and was an avid sportsman who relished the numerous hunting trips with his brother and other family members. He held past memberships in The Michigan Sheriffs Association, VFW, American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Police. He is survived by four loving children; Brenda (Jim) Hoyt, Cindy Marcero, Linda Trowbridge, Robert (Susan) Trowbridge, five cherished grandchildren; James (Jennifer) Hoyt, Joshua Williams, Carrie Hoyt, Christopher (Holly) Williams and Dana Trowbridge (Steven) Mette, four treasured great grandsons; James and Karl Hoyt, Charlie and Corey Williams, and one beautiful great-granddaughter, Avery Mette, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved wife and his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his stepmother, Rosilla (Rutledge) Trowbridge, brothers; Alvin and William R. Trowbridge, stepbrother, William Rutledge and stepsister, Marilyn (Rutledge) Johnson, son-in-law, John (Jack) Marcero and his eldest grandson, Captain Joseph Liedel of the Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials can be made to The Foundation at MCCC for the Captain Joseph M. Liedel Scholarship Fund. A private memorial service will be held for Walter at a later date. Bacarella Funeral Home assisted the family with funeral arrangements.

Walter O. Trowbridge

January 22, 1930 - September 14, 2022