David Lester Trostle Jr., 87, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

David was born in Lorain, OH, where he spent his adolescent years. At age 17, he felt he wanted to join the Navy, so he packed a bag and left his home and family for an unknown adventure. He worked hard to be the best Sailor possible and ascended the ranks to become a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). He was stationed on several destroyers as a Torpedoman’s Mate, with additional duty stations during his career, including one year in Vietnam as a River Boat Captain with the River Patrol Flotilla unit, known as the River Rats. His awards include Two Bronze Stars with a Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Three Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (5th award), Two National Defense Service Medals, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal.

After more than twenty-one years, he retired from the Navy in 1977 to pursue a career with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. During which he started as a Deputy Sheriff patrolling the county streets and transitioned to the Escambia County Department of Corrections, where he finished serving as a Lieutenant and Warden of the Escambia County Road Prison in Cantonment.

After 16 years with the Sheriff’s Department, he retired and began his next phase in life, true retirement. His hobbies included becoming a member and eventually President of the Pensacola Sun Runners Motorcycle Club, as well as a member of the Goldwingers Motorcycle Club. He loved watching the Tampa Bay Rays baseball games and old Westerns on TV.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David Lester Trostle Sr. and Corrine Rosebud Gertz.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lynette Trostle; his children, David Trostle (Gena), Glenn Trostle, and Jason Trostle (Christine); his seven beloved grandchildren, Lacy, Carson, Aubry, Makenzie, Tanner, Brody and Emerson; great-grandchildren, Walker, Cayden, Maya, and Arya; his sister Carol; a niece, Denise; as well as his nephew, Todd.

A visitation will be held from 8:30am - 9:30am Friday, August 14, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A funeral cortege will depart at 9:30am for a graveside service to begin at 10:00am Friday, August 14, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Mashburn officiating and full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to the Escambia County Sheriff Foundation – Creating Safer Communities & Supporting the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Baptist Hospital ICU, Select Specialty Hospital, and Vitas Inpatient Hospice Care at HCA (formally West Florida Reginal Medical Center) for their exemptional care and devotion to their patients.