David William Trott, 90, Ridgedale, formerly of Union, died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 27, 1925, in Hollister, the son of Ambrose Trott and wife Mildred, nee Collins. After graduating from high school in 1944, David enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces and trained at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He was assigned to the 10th Armored Infantry Battalion as an infantryman serving in the 4th Armored Division. He was deployed to Europe in mid-December 1944 as a replacement for casualties his unit sustained in earlier fighting. He saw immediate action in the Ardennes at the Battle of the Bulge as the 4th Armored Division fought to relieve the encircled 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne. Beginning in January 1945 and for the next nine months, they pushed deep into Germany capturing several cities. His unit became the first unit in the U.S. Army to liberate a German concentration camp, Ohrdruf. Their discovery and liberation of Ohrdruf opened the eyes of many in the U.S. Army who had no idea about Nazi Germany's concentration camp system. David's highest rank attained in the service was private first class, and he was awarded the Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, the American Victory Medal, the Good Conduct ribbon, a Distinguished Unit Citation and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He also served as an honor guard at Gen. George S. Patton's funeral in Luxembourg in December 1945 and was discharged from active duty in May 1946. On May 15, 1951, David married Barbara Bess in Springfield. They were married for 65 years and resided for many years in Union, where they raised their four children. David worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a toll line repairman for 30 years. After his retirement, he started and successfully owned and operated a men's casual clothing store called Union Express. In 1994 after their children were grown, David and Barbara moved to their home near Branson, overlooking Table Rock Lake where they have resided for the last 22 years. David was a man of high integrity who valued perseverance and hard work. He was a devoted husband and father, and a strong and admirable role model who led by example for his children and grandchildren. David is survived by his wife, Barbara; their children, Deborah (Ed) Lee, Teresa (William, deceased) Bowen, Shelley (Don) Bennett, and Byron (Tina) Trott; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his four older sisters, Audra Ulmet, Faye Northcutt, Elva Hall and Lee Hartwick. A visitation will take place at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, 1638 East State Highway 76, Branson, Saturday, Oct. 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a service immediately following. If desired, donations can be made in memory of David to The National World War II Museum in New Orleans or the Fair Haven Children's Home in Strafford, Mo. Arrangements are in care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson.