St. Louis native Vernon C. Troupe died February 11 in Los Angeles,
California after a brief illness. He was 67.
Troupe spent more then 44 years as assistant and personal manager to the legendary Ray Charles. Those years were filled with many rich
experiences and rewarding opportunities.
Born Oct. 9, 1940, Vernon C. Troupe was the son of James and Gertrude Troupe. Both parents preceded him in death. Three of his brothers are also deceased.
Troupe attended St. Nicholas Catholic School and later went on to receive his High School diploma from Vashon High School. After graduating from Vashon, Troupe enlisted in the United States Army. He served in London, England where he successfully represented the Army in military-sponsored boxing matches.
Troupe moved to California after his honorable discharge. There he worked as an assistant to the Fifth Dimension. He later began working for Ray
Charles. For almost half a century, Troupe was devoted to the Grammy Award-winning Charles.
Troupe is survived by six brothers and sisters, his children, nieces, nephews and cousins, including Alderman Charles Q. Troupe and writer Quincy Troupe, and a host of friends globally.