William "Bill" Pusey Trotter

William “Bill” Pusey Trotter, 73, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2022.

He was born January 29, 1948, in Washington, D. C., the son of Jesse McLane and Marian Tallman (Warner) Trotter. He attended St. Stephens Episcopal School in Alexandria, Virginia, graduating in 1966. He went on to Princeton University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1970.

Bill grew up on the campus of the Virginia Theological Seminary where his father was a professor and dean, enjoying a wholesome childhood that the Seminary’s close-knit community offered, and spending summers on Martha’s Vineyard with his extended family. Bill possessed an artistic talent for painting, immersing himself in the culture of oils and watercolors from an early age, and producing a substantial body of exquisite work. His artistic pursuits steered him towards an interest in architecture, which he majored in at Princeton.

Bill’s architectural pursuits were tragically cut short however, with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 1972. While his illness consumed most of his life for many years, Bill’s perseverance to overcome adversity found expression in his continued artistic pursuits, production of architectural drawings, profound love for his family and his alma mater, and renewed religious faith. 

Bill is survived by his siblings, Thomas Tallman Trotter of Tisbury, Massachusetts, and Marian "Bonnie" Warner Trotter II of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and by one nephew, Alexander Thomas Trotter. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, John McLane Trotter.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will on Saturday, September 28, 10 am at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas. He will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Stephens-Saint Agnes School Saints Fund, 400 Fontain Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22302. 

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