Terry Wayne Trushel

Terry Wayne Trushel, known as Sport by those close to him, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, after an extended illness. He was born November 2, 1950 in Wheeling, West Virginia a son of the late Melvin E. and Audrey Mae McCool Trushel, Sr.

He was a lifelong resident of Hopedale and graduated from Hopedale High School in 1969. After graduation he worked at Rose Valley Mine in Hopedale as an underground coal miner for Consol Coal Company. When Rose Valley closed he worked at Oak Park Mine in Cadiz, Ohio.

In 1981, when he was working as a foreman at Oak Park, the mine collapsed. He was able to get all of the men out but was not able to make it out himself. He was rescued after several hours and said “my leg was on my back when they pulled me out”. He had a broken back and a broken femur, but he was alive. After he recovered, he went back to work underground for another two years, which speaks to his toughness, and work ethic.

In 1984 he bought a used International cab over, put an H&S transfer decal on the side and worked day and night as an owner/operator for many years, until deciding to sign on with Fraley and Schilling Trucking and becoming an over the road driver. Following that he worked for BXI Transport hauling a Haz-mat tanker. This job took him to places as far as the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada, where he would be ferried across to the remote areas. He told stories about the colorful houses and how he couldn’t speak French to order a hamburger. Lastly, he drove locally hauling a coal bucket for Cramblett Trucking in Cadiz before finally retiring at 67. He was known for taking the runs no one else wanted, and he would haul as heavy and as many hours as he could get away with earning him his CB handle of Outlaw.

He enjoyed his Ford Mustangs, both the ’70 Mustang 302 Boss and then a 2006 model. He enjoyed bowling, golf, softball, and spending time with his close friends. He was known for his big smile, good nature, and always being game for an adventure. He always worked hard, and played hard.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Melvin E. Trushel, Jr. in 1971;

Grandson, Nathien Booth in 2012

He is survived by his children: Heather (Ray) Brown of North Carolina, Clint Trushel of Wintersville, and Tracy (Chad) Booth-Fetter of Pennsylvania; Grandchildren: Noah Miller of North Carolina and Taylor Fetter of Pennsylvania; his twin brother: Larry Trushel of Amsterdam, Ohio; his loving partner of more than 20 years, Tammy Ruckman, who was also his devoted caretaker throughout his illness; and her son Chuck Soos; and several lifelong friends of special mention Darleen Wilkins, and Darlene and Ralph Christie.

Per his request, a graveside service will be held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Hopedale, Ohio with Dean Blythe officiating. The family is being assisted by Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home, Cadiz, Ohio.

The memorial guestbook may be signed at www.clark-kirkland-barr.com.