Connie Trafton

Connie was born on August 30th, 1945, in Henrietta, Oklahoma to Harold and Martha Schnabel. Harold was enlisted in the Air Force, which enabled them to travel and live in England, New Mexico, California and Ohio, before settling in San Antonio, Texas. Connie met her husband Gene while living on the same street and attending the same high school. Gene’s mother tasked Gene with driving his sister and Connie to school in the mornings, in an old ’39 Dodge. Initially, Gene was displeased with his duty, but we like to think that he eventually came around. As fate would have it, Gene gathered at a friend’s house one evening and Connie was also in attendance. Gene thought Connie was a handful, and he was correct in the assumption. Luckily for him, Connie thought he was sweet, and they soon became inseparable. Gene’s mother, although having 10 children of her own, welcomed Connie with open arms into the family, and remained her best friend and helper until her passing.

Connie and Gene were married at the South San Baptist Church on September 20th, 1963, now 61 years ago. Connie worked at Alamo National Bank, the San Antonio Police Department in records and homicide division and then she enjoyed a lengthy career in Civil Service, ultimately retiring from Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio. While in San Antonio, Connie and Gene attended Highland Hills Church of Christ where Connie taught Sunday school. Eventually, they relocated to La Vernia, Texas to enjoy the country life and joined Keith and Becky Johansen in founding the La Vernia Church of Christ.

Post retirement, she earned her associate’s degree in real estate management from San Antonio College and began a successful real estate career with her husband up until January of this year. Connie was blessed with children Brian, Chris and Ashely, Daughter In-Laws, Amber and Tammy Trafton and Son-In Law Brandon Henson, grandchildren Kimberly Gauthier and her husband Eric, Mason Trafton, Collete Bell Henson, and Artie and Freddie Trafton.

Connie and Gene relocated from South Texas to Brenham three years ago to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In doing so, they were overjoyed to find the loving and welcoming community at Brenham Church of Christ where they have had the good fortune of Pastor Tim (myself) and his wife Allyson to lead the congregation. Connie and Gene were blessed beyond measure to have the support of numerous friends that prayed, visited and lifted them up during this difficult time. Connie never lost her faith or sharp wit, even until her last day.

Connie leaves behind the family mentioned above and goes to rejoin her mother and father,
infant daughter Cynthia Dawn and Gene’s mother, Vernon Heickman, by the Lord’s side. She prays that her family will find “The Peace that Passeth Understanding”. She will love you forever and be waiting for you at Heaven’s gates. As always, she loves you MORE.

A memorial service will be held Saturday July 12th at 10am at Brenham Church of Christ, 2800 Victory Lane, Brenham, TX 77833.