Unexplained death cuts short the life of Kansas City musician with hopes for the future
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Growing up in a large blended family, LaShanhey Scott learned early on that a sibling was not just someone who shared the same blood.
When her mother married the man who would become her stepfather when she was 10, Scott gained many new brothers and sisters. As a result, she removed the “step” portion when speaking about the man she called her oldest brother.
Scott grew up knowing that Gordon Trotter Jr. was someone she could always count on being there for her and her family when times were tough.
According to Scott, her brother loved and was dedicated to supporting his family whenever and however he could.
“He was a great uncle, a really great uncle,” Scott said. “I have four boys, my sister has a daughter, our younger brother has two kids and he was the best. No matter if it was putting things together or buying toys we knew we could depend on him.”
Trotter, 36, was found dead in his home on Feb 14. The family is still waiting on a coroner’s report for the cause of death and hopes to get answers soon.
A Kansas City native, Trotter was a local music producer hoping to hone his music skills and perfect his craft. Trotter was a talented self-taught musician well-versed in the piano, cello, bass and violin.
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“Music really was his passion,” Scott said. “He never gave up and never wanted anyone else to give up. He was really a people person and he was always happy.”
In addition to his desire to be signed to a label, her brother wanted to start a local podcast to try his hand at content creation. Scott remembers her brother as a man with many hopes and dreams for the future who wanted to become a success to provide a financially stable life for his loved ones. While not a father himself, Scott said, Trotter always wanted a family and to be a father.
One small consolation the family can cherish is the amount of music, recorded videos and memories Trotter left for them to remember him by.
“The toughest part is having to say goodbye to the person we all would always be able to call on,” Scott said. “Not being able to see him anymore, we are going to miss his upbeat personality and his smile.”
Funeral services for Trotter will be held March 8th at Golden Gate Funeral Home.
Edward Hill
Edward Hill, an Air force veteran and mechanic, died Feb 16. He was 74.
Hill was born Oct. 4, 1948, to James and Bertha Hill in Kansas City. Hill was educated in the Kansas City school district, graduating from Central High School in 1966. While in high school, Hill was a member of the marching band, playing trombone and bass drum. Hill carried his love of music throughout his life, becoming an avid fan of drumming.
Upon completing high school, Hill enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic and used the opportunity to travel the world and broaden his horizons. While in training to serve in the Vietnam War, Hill was honorably discharged to return home to care for his mother in her last days. After losing his mother, Hill returned to the Air Force to continue his military career.
After his service career, he found himself employed doing various jobs, such as bus driver and mechanic. He ended up settling at Kendall & Gent Inc. Machine Threading Company, where he worked for 12 years until his retirement.
In addition to his lifelong love of music, Hill was a huge sports fan, rooting for his favorite football team, the Chiefs. Loved ones will remember him as a man who deeply cared for his family. A father and grandfather, Hill was always there to be the protector and provider for those who needed him.
He is survived by his three sons: Marc Hill, Mike Hill and Rylan Hill; three daughters: Shawn Martin, Adrienne McDade and Stacie Hill, along with a host of nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Jacqueline Woods
Jacqueline Woods, a mother and social worker, died Jan. 28. She was 73.
Woods was born to Curtis and Cora Dunn in Tyler, Texas, on Dec. 12, 1949. Woods attended Emmett Scott High School in Texas, graduating in 1968. After leaving high school, she attended Texas Southern University in Houston, where she studied psychology.
She used her education and skills to land a job as a social worker.
She married Ronald Woods in 1970 in Tyler, Texas. The couple was happily married for 54 years.
She and her husband worked together in other business endeavors, such as a restaurant and an industrial supply business. In addition, woods was active in church and enjoyed going out with friends and shopping.
Jackie Woods is survived by her husband, Ronald Woods; daughter Erika Woods; sons, Ronald C. Woods and Jordan Woods; two brothers, Robert Dunn and Ronald Dunn; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends.
This story was originally published February 26, 2023 at 5:30 AM.
