Lawanda “Estelle” Troutman James, age 95, passed away Oct. 9, 2026. She was born in Kenefic, OK, to V.L. and Berneice Troutman. Estelle graduated from Kenefic High School then studied elementary education at Southeastern College, graduating with a teaching certificate.
While at Southeastern, she met Gene James, a student who had completed his military service in Korea. They were married in 1953, celebrating 68 years of marriage before his passing in 2021. Gene started James’ Sausage, operating it from 1963 to 1987. For the family business, Estelle kept the books and served as receptionist. From 1989 to 2012, Estelle worked at United Optical. In 2015, she started as a substitute teacher in early childhood education and was hired full-time by the Shawnee School District.
Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents, Votial and Berneice Troutman; her father-in-law, T. W. James; her mother-in-law, Carrie James; her brothers, Harold Troutman and Cliff Troutman; and her sister, Nicki Palmer.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Paul James and David James; daughter-in-law, Tammi James; grandchildren, Hank James, Lindsey James, Sean James, and Amy James; great-grandchildren, Britton James of San Diego, CA, Kamryn James of Harrah, Simon James and Lucas James of Shawnee, Autumn and Colton Huff of MO, and Clara James and Adeline James of Shawnee; sister, Pat Mauldin and husband Wayne; sister-in-law, Jerry Troutman; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at 1 pm, Oct. 15, 2026, at Heritage Baptist Church, 227 N. Union, Shawnee, OK 74804, with Dr. Paul Calmes officiating. Following the ceremony, Estelle will be laid to rest next to her beloved Gene at Resthaven Memorial Park in Shawnee. Arrangements are under the direction of Riley-Walker Funeral Service & Crematory.
