Dennis Jackson Trook

Dennis Jackson Trook
Dennis Jackson Trook

In Amarillo, Texas on July 2, 1952, Dennis Jackson Trook was welcomed into the world by Dale and Irene Trook as the son they “didn’t expect”.  He was the younger brother of Bob and Gary.  At the age of twelve Dennis began apprenticing, by sweeping the floors, at Trook Cabinet Shop under his father who had the philosophy that cabinetry was to be done “Dale’s way or no way”.  Here Dennis learned the importance of detail, of following the steps to complete a process, of effective teaching, and pride in a job well done.  These lessons shaped his work ethic for the rest of his life.

Though Dennis was a great craftsman and enjoyed working with wood, his passion was music, especially the complexity of choral music.  He loved mixing proper pronunciation with the feeling and phrasing of the music as well as harmony and the pattern and rhythm of the notes.  His own tenor voice was so gifted that he was selected for the Texas All State Choir in his senior year of high school.

He graduated from West Texas State University with a BA in Music Education and began his career as a choir director for the McAllen School District in 1980.  After moving back to Amarillo, he was the choir director at Palo Duro High School, Horace Mann Middle School, River Road High School and completed his career after many years at Boys Ranch Independent School District where he taught music to students K through 12.

Though a talented vocalist, writer, guitarist and director, Dennis had one major fault…..he couldn’t play the piano to save his life; thus he became a great advocate of a cappella music.  His efforts and those of his students were validated with many awards yet the response from his students was his greatest reward.  He was described by his students as, “Tough but fair.”  It was not unusual for his former students to come back to visit him, even years after his retirement.  One former student described ham as a “great teacher, but we didn’t have choir every day.  Sometimes he would just talk to us about God.”

Love for his students was surpassed only by the love for his bride of 36 years, Diana, their 4 boys, Nicholas, Benjamin and wife Shelley, Aaron, and Jason and wife Brittany, 6 grandchildren (and one on the way), and 4 great grandchildren.

He was a great example of how to love a woman.  He paid attention to details about her and reminded her of her beauty, her intelligence, her talents and her importance to him. He knew her dreams and helped her achieve them.  He never just learned where she wanted to travel, he planned the trip.  He researched the restaurants, hotels, local attractions, and scenery and made the reservations.  And always, she was greeted on arrival by her favorite flowers, yellow roses.

The gift of gab and his incredible sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.  He could talk to anybody and always leave them wanting more and often still had them laughing days later.  He had a knack of singing a tune that got stuck in your head all day.  Sometimes he sang love songs,  sometimes ridiculous saga’s, sometimes it was gospel or opera, but THAT VOICE!!! THAT LOVE!!!  THAT MAN!!! He will be missed.

Funeral services are provided by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Amarillo. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, June 6, 2021, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  Private burial will be at Llano Cemetery the morning of Monday, June 7, 2021.  The family invites all to attend the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. On Monday, June 7, 2021, at Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington St., Amarillo, TX.

17 Replies to “Dennis Jackson Trook”

  1. Prayers for peace and comfort for his family. He left many wonderful memories for those who were in choir under his leadership. Class of ‘82.

  2. I appreciated & I will never forget Mr. Trook. Thank for being a wonderful example of what a mentor should be to all young students loving to sing. Where he felt the movement of the music and developed a love to share, his voice with all! I enjoyed choir and developing the love for music and sharing it with others. We all have a voice to share with each other. You’ll be greatly missed! Melva Smith 1980-1982.

  3. This precious Godley man/teacher/director believed in me when I could not believe in myself.
    He not only saw talents and abilities, he looked deeper. He cared and drove us toward who God created us to be.
    He never gave up on even one of us.
    How very thankful I am to have had him in my life!
    I would have loved to hear God say to him “well done my good and faithful servant!” What joy that must have given God.
    With all my heart!

  4. Mr. Trook was a truly amazing choir director. He had a great influence on my life at River Road and I am so sad he is gone.

  5. My heart breaks over this. Dennis was my favorite card shark. I have the utmost respect for such a great man, great friend, and average poker player. (He beat me more than I can remember.)

    Although I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing, I am also encouraged by the fact that we shall see each other again.

    Rest well in the arms of Peace my friend. Praying for Diana and the rest of the Trook crew.

    Isaiah 54:10

  6. Dennis was truly a wonderful and caring friend! He will be greatly missed! There are no words to describe the loss that everyone that knew him will feel! I now one thing that is that GOD called another angel home!! My love and prayers are with Diana and their children!!

  7. I am profoundly sad at Dennis’s passing, yet joyful at the same time knowing that he is now singing in the heavenly choir. Trook was the teacher and mentor who set me on my path, but more than that, he was one of my very best friends in the world. My love for him and for Diana will never end. May light perpetual shine upon Dennis.

  8. Dennis was a wonderful man! He was pleasant and kind. His love for the Lord was always present. I will miss singing with him in the Amarillo Community Chorale as well as his wonderful direction and leading of beautiful Christian songs. I pray for peace for his family. Till we meet again friend! God Bless!
    Rita

  9. My heart shattered when I saw this, I was unable to control my tears! Mr. Trook was such an amazing man & truly cared for his students. Mr. Trook “gave” me my singing voice my three years at Horace Mann. My 7th & 8th grade yr (’89-’90: 8th grade yr) where absolutely my favorite Choir years, throughout all of school. No one can hold a candle to you(Mr. Trook) sir! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU TAUGHT ME!
    My prays & thoughts are with his wife & the boys 😢❤

  10. I will truly miss Dennis. Prayers for Dianna and the rest of his family. He always brightened the room when he showed up. Amacards will never be the same without him. He quietly led our group of men as a Godly example. It breaks my heart to lose a dear friend, but I will see you again brother!

  11. Could not ask for a better teacher in this entire world. He helped all his students reach their full potential. You would hurry to his class for stories before practice. Provided guidance on what kind of an individual one should hope to become. Had great taste in movies. We agreed John Candy movies were the best. Will miss you Mr. Trook. Thanks for your help getting to state UIL Solo Ensemble 2006.

  12. Many prayer for his family! What an amazing man! My children adored him! He is the reason my daughter became a choir teacher!! We truly love this man. God only takes the best!!

  13. Such a sweet man! We road the Boys Ranch van together, and he was always pleasant to be around. In addition to being a great teacher and musician, he also had a green thumb! His roses were legendary! He tried to teach me how to prune rose bushes, but I never figured it out.
    Praying for the Trook family.

  14. I loved Mr. Trook. Such a great teacher, and person. My heart is broken. My sympathy to his family.

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