Tom Allen Trautwein, born August 12th, 1941, passed into eternal rest Saturday June 22nd, 2024, in his Laguna Beach home. Tom was lovingly known as Tommy to his wife, Pops to his children, and Papa to his grandchildren. Born in Dayton Ohio, Tom moved west first to Denver Colorado and then on to Claremont CA, where he excelled as a student and in the game of Basketball. He entered the University of California and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1965. It is here he met the love of his life Susannah Simpson, and they were married June 3rd, 1966.

Also, in 1966 Tom entered the United States Navy as an Aviation Officer Candidate and commissioned an Ensign the same year flying the P-3B aircraft. Over 33 years Tom served his country with pride and dignity, including: two WESTPAC deployments with VP-40 during his active-duty career. He returned to civilian life in 1971 but remained attached with the military through the Naval Reserves until retirement in 1997 abord the USS Constitution, with the rank of Rear Admiral (O7)

Professionally Tom worked as a business executive for the Proctor and Gamble company with assignments in Sacramento CA, Cincinnati OH, Quincy MA, and Anaheim CA. Tom was always known for his humility and down-to-earth approach. His deepest respect for all members of the organizations he led is still a hallmark to his legacy of leadership, and integrity as a human being.

Tom had an adventurous spirit. This led him to travel the world, both with the Navy and Family, partaking in adventures with friends including braving the rapids of the Penobscott river in Maine, summiting a 14K peak in Colorado, and sipping Kava in a village in Fiji.

Tom's pride and joy and his most valuable possession above all was his family. Tom is survived by his wife Susannah, Sons Todd and Chad, and his grandchildren Jordan, Evan, and Natalie, and his sister Carol McKinzie. Tom was most happy sharing in the events and successes of his family and was constant in providing support or asking provocative questions at exactly at the right time. Additionally, many saw Tom as a father figure and were touched by his kindness, curiosity, and genuine interest in their lives.

Services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery July 24th, 2024, at 11:30