John Robert Troutman, age 89, of Lime Ridge, formerly of Salida, CO and Chardon, OH passed away at home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, surrounded by his family.  He was born on May 7, 1935, in Alaska, PA, the son of Earl and Phyllis (Kidder) Troutman. On June 21, 1997, he was united in marriage to Connie L. VonBehren.

John was employed as a heavy equipment driver for many years. He was very mechanically inclined and enjoyed building and restoring tractors and engines; some of which were exhibited in tractor pulls. He built his own tractor in 1985, winning the most unique exhibit in the Colorado State Fair. He was honored with the Corner Post Award in the Chaffee County Fair in Colorado for all of his work and contributions through the years. He worked on the set of the Disney movie “Tall Tales” using one of his engines, and his truck which he named Sunshine (1968 Ford) was the inspiration for Mader in the Disney movie, “Cars”.

John had a love of birds and was known to many as the Bird Man. He built and sold several birdhouses through the years; and was also known for his green thumb.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Blake Troutman, sister, Judy Corrigan; nephews, Todd and Tyler Troutman; brothers-in-law, Tom Von Behren and David Dietz; sister-in-law, Terri Hemstead; mother and father-in-law, Audrey and Jeff Von Behren; grandchild, baby Harris; best dog Kudah.

John is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Jodi (Daniel) Poole of Salida, CO; step-children, James Unbehaun (Lonnie Moore) of Aurora, CO, Michael Unbehaun of Lime Ridge; Tammy (Robert) Harris of Richland Center, Jeffrey (Jessica) Unbehaun of Lime Ridge; grandchildren: Casey, Taylor U., Brandy, Taylor P., Zach, John, Leslie, Lynsey and Kylie; great grandchildren:  Hunter, Nathan, Sophia, Liam, Ellena, Luna, Blaze, Bodie, Waylon and Dottie Jo; brother, Russell (Mollie) Troutman of Saguache, CO; sister, Nancy Troutman of Chardon, OH; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arley (Sue) Von Behren, Danny (Joni) Von Behren and Cindy Dietz.

A special thank you to LaTonia Jones for all the support and care given to John and Connie.

A private family celebration of life service for John will be held at a later date.