Traff was born on July 29, 1937 in Los Angeles, California to parents Trafford Huteson and Doris Hanson Huteson. He grew up in Hollywood, where he knew many movie stars and graduated from Hollywood High School. Traff graduated from Westmont College in 1961 and later attended Chapman College and the University of Hawaii. He eventually received a master’s degree in psychology from Southwest Texas State University.
Traff was a social worker and substitute school teacher in California before joining the federal civil service as an education counselor at American military bases, which took him and his family to White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico, Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah, Fort Dix in New Jersey, Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, and eventually Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin. He has resided in Austin since 1972.
Traff was a loving husband and father. He married Joyce Davison in 1960 and the couple has four children: Mark Huteson, Greg Huteson (Bonnie), Sean Huteson (Robin) and Stephen Huteson, and eight grandchildren: Charlotte Huteson, Rebecca Huteson, Tabitha Huteson, Benjamin Huteson, Tyler Huteson, Brianna Tomkivits (Travis), Reagan Edwards and Seth Huteson. Traff was excited about the upcoming birth of his first great-grandchild in July.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dolores Huteson.
Traff has always been very involved in church activities, serving as Sunday School teacher, board member, elder, deacon, Boys’ Brigade leader, Awana leader and in other roles at various churches. His Christian faith was the central focus of his life.
Traff spent many years volunteering at the Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farm in Austin. He also volunteered for many years at the Austin Humane Society by walking dogs. He was a long time active member of the Gideons. Recently, he has enjoyed attending daily lunches with other senior citizens at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center.
A viewing is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Walnut Creek Baptist Church at 12062 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Monday, March 26, 2018 at Walnut Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Tu Tran of Woodcliff Baptist Church and Pastor Ray Waugh of Walnut Creek Baptist Church will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Traff’s life.
The family would like to thank Woodcliff Baptist Church and Walnut Creek Baptist Church for their help and generosity. Donations may be sent to Gideons International at P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800, Woodcliff Baptist Church at 11055 Dessau Road, Austin, TX 78752 or Walnut Creek Baptist Church at 12062 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753.
To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
