Clarence Lee Trentman

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by West Point 1955 on July 6, 2019:

Clarence Lee Trentman 1955 Cullum No. 20522-1955 - September 29, 2017 Died in Sacramento, CA Interred in New Auburn Cemetery, CA Clarence Lee Trentman was born May 2, 1932 in Livingston, MT, the only child of Joseph and Lee Vern (Cranwell) Trentman. His formative years were spent in Gardner, MT at the north entrance to Yellowstone Park, where he had many fascinating and unusual experiences in his national park backyard. It was here that Lee gained a great appreciation for nature and the wildlife that existed within the park. It was also here where Lee began to think about his future. Lee graduated from Park County High School in Livingston in 1951. He did well academically and athletically and began to think about the military as a career. After great thought he decided that he would seek the opportunity to serve in uniform and sought admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. After securing an appointment and passing all requirements for admission, he made the long trip to West Point and joined the entering Class of 1955. He survived New Cadet Training and joined Company B-2. Here he tackled academics, intermural football, and the stock market. In between he took the time to tell bear stories and spread his philosophy of life. West Point to Lee was simply the interlude before a car, a wife, and dog. He did well academically and at graduation was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) with duty in Mountain Home, ID. After a two-year tour with SAC, he became the air attache at the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain before receiving an honorable discharge in 1958. On April 9, 1960 he married the "most beautiful girl in the world," Wyneford Mae "Wyn" Bacon, and settled in San Diego, CA, where their children - Loretta, Terry, and Mikei?1/2were born. A few years later they relocated to Northern California, where Lee founded Interstate Sales of Auburn (1969) and T-Man Traffic Supply of El Cajon (2012). During a career spanning over 60 years he became a well-respected leader and an icon in the highway maintenance supply industry. Despite advances in technology, Lee always maintained the personal touch in his business dealings. Lee never had plans for retirement, as he was actively involved in the day to day affairs of his business; however, he and Wyn spent many happy days on ships, planes, trains, and cars visiting family and friends and visiting many interesting places with family. Lee is remembered for his strong work ethic, honesty, integrity, generosity, compassion, keen intellect, business acumen, patriotism, trademark jump suits, quick wit, and the unique way he expressed himself. His classmates recall his devotion to West Point, his willingness to share his talents, and his always positive outlook. Lee was many good things, but first and foremost he was a family man; everything he did was tied to his caring for and supporting his family. In essence he was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Lee passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2017 in Sacramento, CA. He is survived by his wife, Wyn; his children: Loretta, Terry, and Mike; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. To those who knew Lee, his life was a gift to all, and he will be greatly missed. "Well Done; Be Thou at Peace."

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