Elton Lynwood Trower, Sr.

Grand Master Elton Lynwood Trower, Sr. was born March 6, 1936 to the late Milton and Carrie Trower.  A true legend, departed this life on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 while at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. 

Elton attended the public schools of Northampton County.  He was married to Margaret C. Trower in 1957.  Elton was the father of nine children who lovingly called him “daddy”.  He respected the importance of working hard and providing for his family.  Elton was employed by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and Bayshore Concrete where he worked as a concrete finisher.  He later became self-employed, and he along with Cecil Watts and his eldest son Colonial, completed many concrete jobs on the Eastern Shore. Elton, with great pride, would engrave his initials and the date of completion in the concrete. 

Elton was known to work hard and provide for his family.  He was disciplined and taught his children to be respectful.  He knew God and was a firm believer in prayer. His favorite scripture was Proverbs 23:7 -- For as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.

In 1974, Elton became interested in Martial Arts and began his study under the late John Parsons and later studied Tai Chi in Japan.  Master Elton Trower owned and operated the White Crane School of Tai Chi and Karate Warrior Studio in Melfa, Virginia.  Many local youth and adults trained in his studio. He practiced Martial Arts for over 60 years.  Over this period he studied and trained with dedication and, as a result, won many tournaments, trophies, and plagues.  He was well known around the world and best known for Tai-Chi and being able to slice through a soda can which he called a “touch of death”.  Master Trower was a member of the United States Breaking Association, the World Breaking   Association, the International Sports & Karate Association, a member of multiple Halls of Fame, and he appeared on ESPN. Grand Master Elton Lynwood Trower, you were Sensei, a friend, a mentor and you will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you.

Elton was also a member of the group called the “The Silver Tones”.  He enjoyed singing What is This and Precious Lord.  He had a great spirituality and his presence always warmed your heart.

He leaves to cherish precious memories of him:  wife, Margaret C. Trower of Fairview, VA; nine surviving children, Colonial Trower (Giawanna) of New Brunswick, NJ, Eltenia Fisher (Tony) of Richmond, VA, Elton Trower, Jr. of Brooklyn, NY, Roxane Fisher (Robert) and Lynwood Trower both of Fairview, VA, Alpheus Trower of Salisbury, MD, Joseph Trower of Ghana, Africa, Jason Trower (Marissa) of High Point, NC, and Felicia Trower Matthews (Lindell) of Machipongo, VA; three sisters, Roxie Duncan, Mary Trower both of Cape Charles, VA and Margaret Washington of   Nassawadox, VA; one brother, David Trower of Culls, VA; two   sisters-in-law, Susie Stewart and Shelia Trower; one brother-in-law, Wade Duncan; one aunt, Gladys Hines; one uncle, Roosevelt Fisher; seventeen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one grandson-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends, including Lee Brown, and other friends from around the world.  Six of his siblings predeceased him in death – Milton, Junior, Richard, James, Joey, and Robert. 

God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb, so He gently closed your weary eyes and whispered “Peace Be Thine”.  A warrior going home.

Submitted with Everlasting Love,

The Family

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