Charles Trautman

Charles Trautman, 85, is a man who leads by example not words. Charlie places service above self. Through his daily actions, he is an inspiration to the young and old with whom he comes in contact. His ethics shine for all to see.

Charlie served his country in World War II from 1942-1946 in the South Pacific. With a degree in Chemical Engineering, he worked at Lubrizol for 33 years. When he retired in 1983, Charlie volunteered at Mentor Municipal Court under Judge Swain. Since 1993, Charlie has been Deputy Bailiff to Judge Trebets where he averages a 40-hour work week. Part of his job at the court even to this day involves evictions. He is a jack-of-all trades around the court and can be found tinkering with the microphones, telephones or anything that might need repair.

Charlie has had a significant impact on high school students in the county as he assists in coordinating the Ohio Mock Trial Competitions. He has been involved in this process since 1993, giving students the opportunity to learn about the judicial system through role-playing the parts of plaintiff, defendant and attorneys.

He is a leader in his church community of Mentor United Methodist Church where he was on the Board of Trustees for 13 years. Charlie is a Mason and has been involved as a committee member for the Lake County Fair.

Charlie received a Certificate of Distinction in 2000 from the Ohio Center for Law-related Education for dedicated service as “Competition Coordinator” for the Ohio Mock Trial Competition. Also in 2000, a Certificate of Appreciation was presented from Mentor High School’s Law Club, and in 1993, a Certificate of Appreciation was given for 10 years of dedicated volunteer service at the Mentor Municipal Court.