Travis Earl McElyea was born on August 19, 1941 in Deport, Texas to parents Rupert and Mamie McElyea. In, 1945, his family moved to Riverside, California, where he lived ever since. Travis enjoyed gardening, watching baseball, boating, golfing and numerous other hobbies. He became a truck driver for Alfred M. Lewis and later, at Smith’s Food and Drug. In 1998, Travis retired and enjoyed spending more time with his family and vacationing in Lake Havasu, Arizona for 6 months out of the year.
Travis is preceded in death by his parents, Rupert and Mamie, brothers, Rupert “Tex” and Jerry, and his sister, Betty. Travis is survived by his Loving wife of almost 23 years, Lori McElyea, as well as four Loving children, Richard McElyea, Robyn (Rick) Clinedinst, Mishele (Hector) Harryman-Zorrero, and Marc (Cyndi) McElyea, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one more on the way. He is also survived by his brother, Edward McElyea, sister Shirley (Rudy) Negrete, sister-in-law, Sharron McElyea, and numerous other in-laws, relatives and friends. Plus, an “honorary” son, Jeff (Shannon) Jonker, and two exceptional ex-wives and their remarkable families. Travis attended Calvary, The Cross Church in Woodcrest, California where he gained another Loving family.
Travis passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on August 8, 2018. All who loved him, will miss his strong presence in their lives, and look forward to being reunited with him, one day. Travis will be missed by all whose lives he touched and all who love him, but we know Heaven is rejoicing, because he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will always be remembered as a Loving Husband, Dad, and Papa.
To honor Travis, a visitation will be held at Pierce-Brothers Crestlawn Chapel on Wednesday, August 22 at 1:00 PM, with funeral services to follow at 2:00 PM.
