Dennis Trout, 72, talented educator and highly-regarded scholar, passed away in Columbia,
Missouri, amid the loving support of wife Carlynn, children Cora and Jacob, family, friends,
colleagues, and hospice staff. Raised in Newport, PA, by devoted parents Frank and Dorothy
(Clouser), along with brother Duane, he graduated from Newport High School in 1971 and
earned degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (BA 1975), Penn State (MA 1979),
and Duke University (PhD 1989). He taught at The Canterbury School of Florida (1979-84),
Tufts University (1989-2000), and The University of Missouri (2000-2025). Through his
research and writing, Dennis advanced understanding of early Christianity in the late
Roman period. He influenced and mentored many students throughout his career and
helped cultivate the next generation of scholars in his field. Dennis received the prestigious
Rome Prize (2024) and the University of Missouri Medal (2025). A generous and inspiring
man, Dennis touched many people with his love, kindness, guidance, and strength. He was
an avid cyclist, hiker, and music enthusiast.
He is survived by his wife Carlynn, children Cora and Jacob, father Frank, brother Duane,
nieces Christina Myers and Heather Trout as well as uncles Larry and Stewart, aunts Lois
and Betty, and many Trout and Clouser cousins.
Visitation at 4pm and service at 5pm on Thursday, October 30 at Missouri United
Methodist Church, 204 S. Ninth St.