Billy Travis

Billy Franklin Travis

January 7, 1927 ~ August 5, 2017

Billy Franklin Travis, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away August 5, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born January 7, 1927, to Frank Lawrence and Lillie Caldwell Travis in Panhandle, Texas. He was the fifth of eight children. Bill grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho and in Ogden, Utah, where he graduated from Weber High School in 1945. Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1945–1948 and was stationed in Korea and Saipan. Bill achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was an engineer, working primarily with heavy equipment.

Bill married Cleo Hansen on March 10, 1950, in Ogden, Utah.  They raised three wonderful children. Bill and Cleo loved spending time traveling, especially after retirement.

Bill worked as a brick contractor to provide for his family. During most of Bill’s work career he was self-employed. His companies completed the masonry work on numerous notable structures including; TH Bell Junior High, Mound Fort Junior High, the Wilshire Theater and numerous other projects including many at Hill Air Force Base. He was known in the business world as a man of his word and amongst those who worked in the masonry industry, he was considered ‘the best guy I ever worked for’ by many. Bill was president of the Masonry Contractors Association of Utah.

Bill was also noted for his quick-wit and upbeat personality and it was tough to spend time with him and not leave with a smile. Bill’s leisure time activities included camping with his family (Flaming Gorge was one of their favorite camping destinations), fishing, bowling, golfing, cooking and gardening.  He loved playing the guitar and singing Country Western songs.

Bill is survived by his wife, Cleo; his son Gerald (Cherrie) Travis, Clinton; his daughters Connie (Andrew) Langston, Spanish Fork, and Nancy (Steven) Vincent, Brigham City; 18 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by three sisters; June (Jess) Decaria, Riverdale, Marybelle East, Washington Terrace, and Norma Jean (Clyde) George, Clearfield.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two great-grandchildren  and his sisters; Grace, Nellie, Mildred, and Virginia.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  The Family will meet with friends Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.