George J. Trombold

Trombold, George, J., 98, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2007. George, a long-time resident of Wichita, had recently re-located to Del Mar, California to be closer to his family. Born in Chanute, Kansas, he lived his entire life in several areas of Kansas, except when his family lived in Indiana. Most of his schooling was in Iola, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas University in 1932 with a degree in Physical Education. During the 1930s George was a coach, teacher, and administrator at several Kansas high schools. In 1940 he entered the field of personnel management and human resources, leading to the position of Personnel Director for Stearman Aircraft/Boeing Airplane Company in Wichita. This position rapidly became more challenging with the advent of World War II when employment increased to 33,000. In the 1950s he was a founder and the first president of the American Society of Personnel Administration. He retired from Boeing in 1974. He later was employed for over 20 years as a Human Resources Consultant for Garvey Industries in Wichita. George was very involved in community activities in Wichita, including Lions Club, American Red Cross, and Plymouth Congregational Church. He loved and actively supported his alma mater, the University of Kansas. He was pleased that over twenty members of his extended family have attended K.U. George was an outstanding athlete, especially as a baseball player. He played first base for K.U. in the early thirties. He was very involved with the state and national semi-pro baseball tournaments in Wichita both as a player and as a sponsor through Boeing. He was elected to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987. George led a very disciplined and committed life. He cared strongly for his family and friends. The outstanding theme of his life was his friendships and giving back to his community. George will be missed. His great example and our fond memories of him will remain with us always. George was married for 73 years to the former Elizabeth Smith who predeceased him in 2001. He is survived by his two sons, John Trombold, M.D. (Marcia) and James Trombold, M.D. (Mary Ann), four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and his sister Margaret Horn. A celebration of Georges life is planned for 2 p.m., Saturday, January 27, 2007 at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita, Kansas. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to The American Red Cross, Midway Kansas Chapter, 1900 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67214 or the Plymouth Congregational Church, 202 N. Clifton, Wichita, Kansas 67208. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.