Ralph David Tromble

Ralph “David” Tromble, 92, a cherished and well-loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on August 18, 2026.

Born in Oshkosh, Nebraska, on July 21, 1934, to Wesleyan minister Ralph Tromble and church piano player Edna Warner, he was known for his lively spirit and cheeky smile. His dry, witty humor was well appreciated and enjoyed by all who knew him.

Ralph joined the U.S. Army in 1954. He completed basic training at Fort Knox before subsequently attending cartographic drafting school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was a draftsman at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, Maryland. Ralph loved playing basketball with his fellow soldiers and proudly led the Army softball team.

In 1960, he graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BSME and began his career at General Electric. In 1961, he married Patricia Barker, and they began their family that would grow to include sons Michael and David and daughters Vikki and Valerie.

He began as a Material Controller at GE, implementing the P7 Self-Cleaning Over Design. He was later appointed Manager of Lab Operations for GE Refrigeration and managed the GE compressor program.

Ralph began building his own home in 1969, a story all those who loved him have heard and know well. For Ralph, 6711 Echo Trail was one of his greatest accomplishments. His son, David Tromble, recalls how his father worked all day and all night building a home he could be proud of for his family.

Ralph was the Scout Leader for Troop 56 and, in 1970, was appointed Scoutmaster of Troop 56 in Fern Creek, Kentucky. His first retirement from General Electric was in 1998, but he quickly returned on contract and continued working for GE until his final retirement in 2001.

Ralph met Pamela Virgin in 2000, and they were married in 2001. An adventurous spirit and endless curiosity kept him traveling around the United States and abroad with his wife for many of the years that followed.

Ralph loved the outdoors, carpentry, woodworking, biblical history, and taking drives throughout Louisville to observe the local flora and fauna. One of his favorite things to do was go hunting, especially with his family in Kansas. Ralph’s work ethic was unmatched, aspirational, and evident in everything he crafted and created. A man of staunch faith and character, Ralph was a beloved member of his community.

A Christian and member of Hikes Point Christian Church, Ralph’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He loved the Lord and lived to share the message of Jesus Christ with all he could. Ralph was baptized on May 13, 1990, at Southeast Christian Church by Pastor Bob Russell. He often joked that Mr. Russell was his father, as on that day he felt he was truly born again. Pastor Russell liked to respond that he was old, but not that old.

Ralph was baptized again in the Jordan River in Israel in 2010.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Tromble; his children, Vicki Gosnel, David Tromble, and Valerie Sherrard; his grandchildren, Paul Henry, Jonathan Henry, and Rockford Tromble; and his great-grandchildren, Weston, Walker, Woods, Kylie, Bailey, Matthew, and Max.

Ralph’s funeral will be held at Hikes Point Christian Church, 2601 Hikes Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40218, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, public visitation beginning at 11 a.m. and a service beginning 1pm.