Travis J. Ashley

Travis spent his early childhood in Afton, Texas. When he was six years old the family moved to Scappoose where he attended high school before entering the United States Navy. After an honorable discharge from the Navy Travis returned to Scappoose where he reconnected with a high school friend, Lois Painter. The two were married and Travis took on the role of father to Lois’ children, Robert and Billie Burgess. Travis and Lois welcomed two children into the world, Kim and Travis Ashley II. Travis went to work for the railroad, stationed in White Salmon, building bridges for a time before beginning his career as a machinist. He worked for Boeing, Precision Castparts, ESI and finally Stanley Toolworks, retiring in 2002.

Travis and Lois parted ways after 10 years. He later met and married Verna Burke. Their union led to the birth of three children, Marsha, Aaron, and Ryan Ashley. In his time away from work Travis volunteered with the Portland Center for Performing Arts and with the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in the late 80’s and during the 90’s. He also trained as a clown at the Living Enrichment Center and joined the troop of clowns, participating in community events and parades, bringing joy to children. During his time at the Living Enrichment Center he met and married Denise Hansen in 1990 however the union was not meant to be and they split in the late 90’s.

After retirement he moved to Clackamas for a short time before moving to Clarkston, Washington where he met Cheryl Vonk. A few years later, accompanied by Cheryl, he returned to Scappoose to be closer to family.

Travis loved to play pool, both in leagues and tournaments. When not shooting pool, he could be found shooting photographs of buildings, landscapes, and aspects of the local Native American culture. He also enjoyed driving, whether it was drag racing as a young man with his brothers on River Road outside of Scappoose, Volkswagen Beetles, or big cars such as his Chevy Cordoba, Cadillac and his red 50’s pick-up truck. Travis was what one would call a “Stand-Up Guy” and was looked up to by all of his children. Manners and politeness were of the utmost importance to him. He had a special way of telling stories, meandering through details and ending with a vivid and complete picture. He will be remembered fondly for his goofy way of joking around.

Travis is survived by his sister, Nelda (Jack) Reeves of Kendrick, Idaho; children, Travis (Melinda) Ashley II, of Scappoose, Marsha (Kurtus Blodgett) Ashley of Hillsboro, Aaron (Keysha) Ashley of Pendleton, and Ryan (Sydelle Harrison) Ashley of Richland, Washington; Lois’ children, Robert Burgess of Orting, Washington and Billie Leitner of Puyallup, Washington. He was a grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of four as well uncle to many. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kim, and brothers, Les and Ervin Ashley.

Visitation will begin at 11am on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 and will be followed by a funeral service at 1pm, both at Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Skyline Memorial Gardens.