Obituary of Trenton Dale Masterson

After a 25 year battle with a rare form of slowly progressing ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), Trenton passed away on August 5th at the age of 78. Trenton had been a resident of Cheshire, CT since 1986. Son of the late William Masterson (from Scammon, Kansas) and Oscarine Virginia DeRidder Masterson (from Roux, Belgium), he was born on October 31, 1937 in the small town of Hartshorne, Oklahoma. Also preceding him in death were his brothers William and Howat, and sister Thelma Heacock. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Myrna Joy Suter Masterson, and their two daughters, Shawna Lynn Cardillo and her husband Valentino of Southlake, TX and Tiffany Layne Thompson and her husband Stuart of Stonington, CT. Trenton was a graduate of Hartshorne High School. While working full time he obtained a BS degree in electronics from Oklahoma City University in 1965. He followed this with a MBA from Arkansas State University in 1972. He was an army veteran. Starting in August of 1955 Trenton served as part of the US Paratroopers 82nd Elite Airborne Infantry Division in Ft. Bragg, NC. He completed 36 jumps in service for his country. Having known his wife, Myrna, since high school they started formally dating in 1957 when he was on leave from the service. They fell in love that Christmas and were married on May 24, 1958. He always referred to 1958 as the best year of his life because he married his best friend and true love. Trenton’s illness progressed to a point where he was eventually bed ridden for several years and required around-the‐clock care. Myrna never left his side. He repeated many times he would have no life without her endearing love and devotion. His caregivers, Kathy and Imma, worked in conjunction with Myrna to give him the best care possible. This allowed him to spend the duration of his illness at home. He also wishes to thank his friend Jeff for having spent many hours assisting him during this time, and the many doctors and healthcare workers that looked after his care. Trenton worked many long hours on his in‐law’s farm in Haileyville, OK throughout the years. His first corporate job was with General Electric in Oklahoma City, OK. He was a member of GE’s elite Manufacturing Management Program (MMP) which moved his family to Rome, GA, Fort Wayne, IN and Roanoke, VA. His first positon after graduating from the MMP program was in Jonesboro, AK. He moved many more times with General Electric as he progressed his management and consulting career until retirement from GE Corporate in CT in 2001. In addition to GE, as part of expanding his manufacturing consulting career, he held positions with Colt Industries, Carter Carburetor, Worthington Pump, Carborundum Abrasives and Gartner Denver. He was very active and an avid jogger until receiving his health diagnosis at age 55. He had to quickly adjust his outlook on life as he could no longer engage in any activities requiring physical involvement. Despite his diagnosis he returned to work at GE for another nine years before retirement. In the years to follow he displayed strength and fortitude against this disease to the amazement of both friends, family, caregivers and doctors. He refused to allow the illness to define him. He fought against all odds to push back against the disease time and time again. He hosted the family on several ocean cruises despite the need for hospital beds and special medical equipment to be brought on board. These were many of the best memories of his life. God provided him with an inner strength we all long to obtain. For all who came in contact with him he became a symbol of hope and faith in the unknown which lies ahead. When asked what gives him strength he repeatedly referred to scripture Palms 23: The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside still waters. He restores my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. A private viewing followed by a graveside funeral will be held in Gardiner, NY at the St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery. The Alderson‐Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, CT has been entrusted with Trenton’s arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ALS foundation (alsa.org) in Trenton’s name.