Travis Weldon McElyea
Travis Weldon McElyea, age 80, passed away peaceful on June 23, 2019, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral Services will be held June 29, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Elliott Street Church of Christ with Jim Cox Officiating. The McElyea family will welcome friends for a visitation at the Chapel of Memories on Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m.
Travis was born July 18, 1938 in Sylvester, Texas, in Fisher County to Allen and Ethalena McElyea. The family moved to Breckenridge in 1943, when Allen was called to the naval service during World War II.
After attending Breckenridge High School, Travis joined the United States Navy in 1957 where he worked on the flight deck of the USS Ranger, the largest U.S. aircraft carrier at that time. He received an honorable discharge after four years of service.
In December of 1961, he met the love of his life, Wanda Faye Loggains. It took him awhile to convince her of the same, but she finally accepted a date with him in March of 1962. Their love blossomed quickly, and they married on June 1, 1962, a life together that eventually would span 57 years.
He was an officer for the Breckenridge Police Department for three years before going to work for the Petroleum Company for 14 years.
In 1979, he accepted a position as janitor at the Breckenridge High School, specifically the caretaker for the athletics facilities. He took pride in keeping the field house and gym spotless. The coaches commented that the facilities had never been maintained better. He touched so many students, coaches and teacher’s lives while at BISD. He was even a regular on the Buckaroo football bus, attending games and standing on the sidelines encouraging the team.
He eventually moved from BHS to North Elementary where he served until retirement in July 2003.
Retirement didn’t last long as he worked for O’Reilly’s Auto Parts for a short while before working in the parks department for the City of Breckenridge for five years. At the end of that time, he finally officially retired.
Travis loved his church, his family and sports. Specifically, University of Texas football. He was an avid and sometimes outspoken fan and enjoyed attending games with his son for many years. Travis was known by everyone around town as a good and kind man. He never gossiped or said unkind words about anyone, except maybe when he disagreed with a certain UT coach’s ability to call plays.
Travis was a loving son, husband, father and PAPA. He always put his family’s needs first. He is survived by his wife, Wanda of Breckenridge; daughters, Celena Presley and Allena Duncan of Breckenridge; son, John T. McElyea and wife Amy of Amarillo; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Travis was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mildred Isbell and granddaughter, Randi Leigh.
Memorials can be made to the local Meals on Wheels in Breckenridge and may be left at the Melton-Kitchens office. Condolences may be made at www.meltonkitchens.com.
