Bill Travis
August 14, 2012
Dale "Bill" William Travis, 57, died Tuesday, August 14, 2012, unexpectedly in his Shellsburg home due to complications of lung cancer. Visitation at Morgan Funeral Home Mount Vernon, Saturday August 18th at 10:00 a.m. until noon with funeral services following at 1:30 p.m. Burial Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery with military rites. Surviving Bill are his wife Terri; brother Tom (Ginny), Coralville; sister Peggy (Mike) Powell, Toddville; six sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. Preceding Bill in death were his parents, his brother Terry, and his son Nick. Bill was born October 13, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, the youngest child of Dale and Maxine Harris Travis. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1972. Bill served in the U.S. Navy during the Fall of Saigon at the end of the Viet Nam conflict as a medical corpsman with the Marine Corps. Bill's life long career in auto sales began shortly after discharge from the Navy and he was working at Rydell Chevrolet in Waterloo at the time of his death. He was a member of the Coralville American Legion, Post 721. Bill gave 110% to his career, where he did his best to satisfy his customers. He was a golfer, enjoyed Nascar racing, and his cats. Bill loved the quiet and the beauty of his acreage where he could relax and unwind from the day. In lieu of flowers and plants a memorial fund in Bill's honor has been established. On-line condolences: www.morganfuneralchoices.com
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Bill may you rest in peace, and for your family may they remember all of the good things that you have done in your short time here, God Speed!!!
Good-bye Bill. I knew you for a long time, but didn’t really get to spend much time with you. For the short time that you were my brother-in-law – it was great! I’ll never forget how you TRIED to teach me how to drive a manual transmission as a teenager. You were a good Dad to Nick and now that you are both in heaven, I hope you can re-kindle your relationship. Go in peace.
Rest in peace Bill, you have earned it.
We are very sad to here of Bill?s passing. We would like to wish all of his family our condolences during this time. Bill was that special person very one knew was sincere to the heart. I remember very clearly having Bill as one of my childhood playmates as just one of our next door neighborhoods and how we would get together and do all sorts of great fun activates. Whether roller skating, go carting construction (very poor methods and often came apart), camping in his back yard, playing cards (pig) on our porch or building a club house (Dale didn?t really like this one too much). While growing up together we were often confused with each other because we had looked so much alike that on one day in particular I had been doing something my father had told me not to do, well as luck would have it, Bill had come over to our yard, I was not to be found at the time, but Bill started doing that very thing I was told earlier not to do. My father had seen what looked like me, came up behind Bill and took him over his knee. At this point Bill started to yell, Mr. Simonds, Mr. Simonds!!! My father quickly let him go, but not until a couple of good licks. My father later told us the story about how he had gone over to talk with Dale about the incident. All that Dale could say was ?He probably needed it!? When Bill?s cousin David would come up from Florida every summer to stay with his grandparents Karl and his wife, again neighbors, between the three of us there was always mischief brewing. We were a hand full no matter the time or day. There were so many adventures together I can not possibly share as much as I would like. Just know that Bill and I really has a lot of quality time while he was here with us. Bill will be missed by all that really knew him.
working with Bill and Terri at Arensons was a part of my life that will always be remembered. Peace be with Bill now and sympathy to Terri and family.
Rest in peace Bill. The pain and suffering is over. You are at peace.
Bill could be counted on when the times got rough. During the time our son Nicholas was missing Bill drove down to Kansas City several times. He called hospitals, helped put up flyers, worked with the detectives and spent several long weekends helping with the search. Bill never got judgmental or critical, he just helped with whatever was needed and remained a source of comfort and strength for me and my family. During the long years between the finding of Nick?s body and the trial Bill kept in contact. Bill was always hopeful and available. Bill came down for the trial and we sat there through the toughest three days of our lives. When the verdict didn?t go our way, Bill was right there with a hug. Even though we were crushed beyond words Bill said, ? Hey, at least they are all playing ball in heaven together and no one can hurt him again.? Good night friend, enjoy your son. See you both later.
Bill will really be missed at Rydell he was a great man to work with, I had lunch with him on Friday and we had a great visit.
Sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill and I spent many years together at work and our hang out, Sammy’s, and maybe a few other places. Bill picked me as groomsman at Bill and Terris wedding, I was honored. Bill helped me move from an apartment. Showed up like it was no big deal. I’ll always have good memories of Bill and good thoughts of knowing him. Goodbye old friend.
We are saddened today to learn of Bill’s passing. Verdina had a appointment today at Rydell’s to have our 2012 car serviced and thought she would say hello to Bill. What??? Can’t believe what she heard. You see, we were one of the late customers at Rydell’s arriving probably around 8:00 PM. We were just looking, and would come in the next day. Well, Bill was willing to stay and help as long as we were comfortable doing so. Well, Terri, we sent him home around ll:00 PM. We could tell you must be an incredible wife! Bill WAS and WILL always be the best salesman we have ever had. We will miss him. We know he is with the Lord, as he wished us a Happy Holidays, and Verdina said “we celebrate CHRISTMAS, and he said firmly,”Merry Christmas, then, and smiled. We love you Bill, even though we only met you for about 4 hours.