Albert Delone "Doc" Troxel

While Butch and I were married, he and Doc became very close friends, even though there was quite an age difference between them, they had the same interests. Doc and Mary had a Rottweiler and Butch had to get a Rottweiler. This started everyone on a Rottweiler kick. I have done our Rottweiler Page. All four of us went to pick out Doc and Mary's most recent rottweiler - Bruno. He was beautiful. Doc and Mary spoiled him really bad! Doc loved this dog, but we all called him the "alligator". Doc would take him outside to play when it was cold and put his gloves on and the gloves were shredded! Bruno played hard and fast, Mary is glad Bruno is with her now. These dogs are unconditional love and loyalty if treated as they should be treated. Butch and Doc went to gun shows, did target shooting together and basically ran around together. Doc was also a retired Dentist. When they went to the gun shows, they would stop at the Red Brick Tavern and eat, sometimes they took our son and they all had a day of it! They thought it amusing to go to a nice restaurant together and leave the wives at home. We were lucky to get them to take us to eat out when they felt like it. That was OK though. As long as they enjoyed themselves, Mary and I didn't care.

One time when they were coming back from a gun show, they stopped and picked me up and I rode down to Doc and Mary's home with them. It was starting to get dark and I turned around to say something to Doc and noticed he had sunglasses on. I asked how in the world he could see in the dark with sunglasses on! He said in his gruff voice - "Well, I started out in the sun and didn't bring my regular glasses with me, so I guess if I don't wear something, I won't be able to see at all!" Guess you had to be there - it was the look on his face, the way he said it and the way he was sitting alone in the back seat, that made it funny. Butch said he looked like and escapee! From where, I don't know.

Butch became ill first and then Doc became ill. Butch passed away 10-10-96 and Doc passed away 12-19-96. Butch had laryngeal cancer and Doc had esophageal cancer. Doc decided, after seeing what Butch was going through, not to have any surgery. This was a terrible time for all of us. Doc promised Butch that he would help look after our son Willie. Doc didn't tell Butch that he was very ill. I had to tell Butch about Doc's illness because Butch was missing Doc's visits. That was not a good scene. Doc was extremely bothered by the fact that he had made a promise to Butch and now he couldn't keep this promise. Doc kept asking for my Dad and my son Willie and all of us went down the day before Doc passed away. Doc saluted my Dad when he entered the room and he and Dad held each other and cried. Willie went in and held Doc for two hours. Mary was extremely strong during this time too. However, the stress of watching someone you love deteriorate and pass away, takes a horrible toll on you too.

It has been over two years for both Mary and I and our children and loved ones. It seems like yesterday. We are starting to get out of the house and become part of life again, but you take one step forward and two back. Don't know why, but you do.

More to come on Doc's military achievements, medals and information, just need to wait until we are ready.

Mary - we love you!