George W. Traver

1930 - 2019

George Walter Traver, age 88, of Austin, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on January 21, 2019.

George was born on April 8, 1930, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to parents Archie and Laura (Nieman) Traver. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at Bergstrom AFB in Austin. He met the love of his life, Joann Reynolds, at Sunday School at Hyde Park Baptist Church in 1953 and they were married at Hyde Park in January, 1955. They raised their family in Austin and George worked in construction, as a trade book buyer for the University Co-op, an aircraft mechanic for the Texas Army National Guard, and after retirement, as the “fix-it man” at Chuy's on Barton Springs Road. He never met a stranger and was quick to share a friendly handshake with both old and young.

George was immensely proud of being a Texan and loved Texas history. He enjoyed woodworking and restoring antique furniture, steam trains, and drinking coffee even on the hottest summer day. His sweet tooth was legendary but he’d often ask for “permission” from Joann before indulging in a sweet treat. He loved to regale his children and grandchildren (and anyone else who would listen) with stories of growing up in Wisconsin, where he worked at a Boy Scout camp and a canning factory, planted trees, and was a farm hand driving tractors at a dairy farm. George enjoyed collecting clocks & pocket watches, railroad memorabilia, and old hand tools. He often researched the history behind each particular piece.

He spent a combined 33 years in the military, both in the US Air Force and the Army National Guard. He was a military history buff and, for a time, participated in the Guard of the Republic of Texas.

George was a faithful member of Hyde Park Baptist Church and studied the Bible daily. He pored over books about the Bible, the disciples, and the Holy Land. He loved sharing God’s Word with others and had many different versions of the Bible. He especially liked the book of Luke. At Hyde Park, he helped Joann with the 2-year olds in Sunday School (in his younger years), and taught in the International Department, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a Deacon and served on a number of committees. When George could no longer worship in person at Sunday services, he and Joann watched the 11:00 service via live stream and he often listened to past sermons on CD while relaxing in his recliner.

He was a dedicated member of University Lodge 1190 for fifty years and was active as long as his health permitted.

George was preceded in death by his brothers Billy, Ed, and Jim, and by his sister Elizabeth.

George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joann Traver; son, Terry Traver (Maria) of El Paso; daughter, Toni Ericson (Randy) of Austin; grandchildren Chris Ericson (Amela), Jennifer Erickson (Brian), Alexander Traver, and Desiree Traver; great-grandchildren Reid & Charlotte Erickson, and Daniella Ericson; many other family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Jan. 24, 3-5 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar location.

Funeral service will be on Friday, Jan. 25, 10:00 am Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway, Austin, TX. Graveside service to follow at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

The family would like to thank Senior Sitters, Hospice Austin, and the staff at Park Bend SN Health Center for their care and compassion.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hyde Park Baptist Church Library.