John Earl Travis Sr.'s Obituary
John Earl Travis, Sr., 97, passed away February 17, 2025, at Mt. Zion Health and Rehabilitation Center.
John was born in Decatur, Illinois, on June 6, 1927, the son of Earl Edward Travis and Aileen Youtha (Landrith) Travis. He married Shirley McCurdy on April 19, 1957, in Decatur. John was a member of the 1945 graduating class of Decatur High School. John served honorably in the U.S. Navy, graduating from bootcamp on VJ Day. After his service to our country, he returned to Decatur and began working at AE Staley. He worked in the 60 Building for most of his 43 years there (1944-1987). After retiring, he was an active volunteer in the lab at Decatur Memorial Hospital and at Decatur Airport through the Decatur Area Visitors Bureau. He was a faithful member of Trinity Church of the Nazarene, where he held many volunteer positions.
John is survived by his wife Shirley; children John (Barbara) Travis Jr. and Janet (Michael) Loehr; grandchildren Amanda (Phillip) Shouse, Chris Heck, Kim Huff, and Harrison Meaux III; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ewing, an infant son, and granddaughter Bethany Heck.
John’s family extends the following message: “Thank you to the members of Trinity Church of the Nazarene who visited my dad, and please continue to visit my mother. Huge thanks to the wonderful staff at Mt. Zion Health and Rehab. You took excellent care of my daddy and thank you for continuing your excellent care of my momma. You have become family to us.”
A graveside service for John will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 1, at Macon County Memorial Park. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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