Coles Trapnell
A native of New York City, Trapnell attended Virginia Military Institute and NYU before embarking on a journalism career at the Glen Cove Record and Musical America in New York.
He joined RKO in 1936 as a reader and shortly after moved to 20th Century Fox, where he worked as a story editor and associate producer until 1953.
The following year, he became story editor of "Four Star Playhouse" TV series starring Dick Powell, Ida Lupino, Charles Boyer and David Niven.
As the 1950s drew to a close, Trapnell remained busy as writer and producer of the hit TV series "Maverick." He also wrote episodes of "The Lawman" and "Yancy Derringer."
Following "Maverick," Trapnell went to Universal, where he served as a story editor until his retirement in 1975. He also authored the book "Teleplay" (1965), a guide for aspiring script writers. A second edition was published in 1974.
He is survived by two daughters, Jane Trapnell Marino, a costume designer, and Sarah Trapnell Byrne; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Westwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations in Trapnell's name be made to the American Heart Assn.
