Travis Edwin Parr

Travis Edwin Parr peacefully departed this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, after a brave, hard-fought ten year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death. Travis was born on April 23, 1932 to Peachy Russell and Ernest Parr in Marshall, Texas. He attended Marshall Schools, until, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Army with a burning desire to serve his country in Korea. He was a Sergeant 1st Class in the Army, serving in the 2nd Division, 23rd Infantry, from 1950 – 1953, where he earned many awards, including a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, and a Bronze Star. After returning from war, Travis resided in Longview, and began working for R G LeTourneau Corporation as a Maintenance Operator. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Henry, and they eloped to Texarkana and were married on January 5, 1959. Together, they had 2 daughters, Donna and Debby, and a son, Gerald. The Parr's moved to the Spring Hill community in 1965, where Travis became an avid and ever-faithful Spring Hill Panther fan. He attended football practices and games, as well as any other sporting event that involved the Panthers for as long as he was able. He was instrumental in founding the Spring Hill Little League Baseball program, serving as commissioner for many years. After 25 years with LeTourneau, Travis became a Power House Operator for Stroh's Brewery of Longview, where he remained for 26 years. His spare time was spent working in his yard, bass fishing, and attending and watching horse races, but his favorite thing was watching any activity that his grandchildren were involved in. Travis was a member of First Christian Church and the Longview Bass Club. He was a faithful Christian man, who loved the Lord. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and an outstanding friend. He was the proud owner of a dog named Bubba, who was a constant companion. Travis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Evelyn; two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Chris Jennings, and Debby and Tony Deck, all of Longview, and one son and daughter-in-law, Gerald and Tina Parr, of McKinney. He has six grandchildren, Blake and Brenna Jennings, and Trystan Deck of Longview, and Zach, Gatlin, and Lawson Parr of McKinney. He has many cousins and multitude of extremely close friends. Services for Travis Parr will be held on Saturday, May 7, at 2:00 pm, at the sanctuary of First Christian Church, Longviw, with Dr. Richard Emerson officiating. Graveside services will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 6, 2011, from 6 – 8 pm, at Rader Funeral Home, Longview.

Travis Edwin Parr

April 23, 1932 - May 4, 2011