George Francis Traverse

Dr. George “Frank” Traverse

February 19, 1932 – August 8, 2012

As part of the early 1900s European immigration, the Traverse family emigrated from France to Newfoundland and settled on the Eastern seaboard of Massachusetts. Dr. George Frank Traverse was first generation American born on February 19, 1932 in Dorchester, Massachusetts to Hugh and Della Traverse. He was one of five children. As a youth, Frank attended parochial school and graduated from the Electrical Department of Boston Trade School in 1950. Starting his 22 years of military service, Frank served two years in the U.S. Navy Reserves in the early 1960s then re-enlisted for active duty with the U.S. Army for twenty years, having served in Vietnam, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1981.

Over the years, between professional teaching and military service, Frank continued his education and earned a total of 7 degrees. During this time, Frank also spent nine years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher, serving in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Texas.

1. Associate in Arts, Boston University (1952)

2. Bachelor of Science, Boston University (1954)

3. Master of Education, Massachusetts State Teachers College (1960)

4. Master of Education-Elementary Level Counseling, Northwestern State University (1973)

5. Master of Education-Secondary Level, Northwestern State University (1974)

6. Master of Arts-Rehabilitation Counseling, Northwestern State University (1976)

7. Doctorate of Education (Ed.D), Baylor University (1987)

As part of Frank’s second career, he worked in the Leander Independent School District (LISD) as an Elementary School Counselor for ten years and taught as an adjunct professor at Texas State University-School of Education (San Marcos, TX) and Temple Junior College (Temple, TX).

After retiring from LISD and driven by his endless thirst for all kinds of knowledge, Frank became the oldest cadet to graduate from the CAPCO Travis County Police Academy. Frank served as a licensed volunteer peace office in Precinct 3 (Constable’s Office) for a year-in-half and then transferred to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, where he spent 10 years as a volunteer Deputy Sheriff.

One of Frank’s favorite pastimes was woodworking; whether it was repairing the broken spoke on a rocking chair, re-varnishing a table back to its original condition, or making a side table as seen in a magazine - Frank’s gifted talent with woodworking created timeless memories that will be cherished forever. He had a way of making each piece say “I love you”.

As most know, Frank was always “dressed to the nines” when going out and a stickler for perfectly polished shoes. He would say, “You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their shoes”. As a mentor to us kids, Dad was the example of how a man should love and care for his wife. He always put Barbara first stating, “It is the small things you do for your spouse that matter the most”. Frank and Barbara traveled the world together and always sent postcards to the family updating each new adventure they encountered. One of the special things Frank and Barbara had was their standing date at the senior center, where they went dancing every Friday night and then retreated to La Madeleine’s for dessert and coffee on their way home.

Another important fact about Frank was his fondness for ice cream, particularly peanut butter cup, and his financial contributions to Ben & Jerry’s.

In loving memory of Frank Traverse as husband, a father, a mentor, an advisor, a best friend, and loyal patron we celebrate his life and the memories he left to each of us.

Dr. George Frank Traverse is survived by his wife Barbara; daughters Dr. Maria Traverse of Austin and Mary and husband Mike Kistler of Carrollton; son Michael and wife Trang Watt of San Antonio, and 3 grandchildren, Kelsey Kistler (18 yrs.), Kate (5 yrs.) and Reid Watt (9 yrs.); brothers Richard Traverse of San Diego, CA and Kenneth Traverse of Massachusetts.