Roy Dean Travis, 89, formerly of Mound City, Missouri, passed away at the age of 89 surrounded by his family on October 30, 2022, in Westminster, Colorado.
Dean was born on March 21, 1933, to Roy and Rosetta (Combs) Travis in Mound City. He was the youngest of eleven children. Dean spent his younger years attending Mound City schools where he was a standout athlete. This was also where he met his sweetheart, Sue Forney. Dean and Sue wed in 1951 and were married for 66 years before her death in 2018.
Dean spent two years in the US Army before attending Northwest Missouri State University, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in education.
Dean's natural athletic ability and love of sports directed his career path. He was hired by the Lamar School District in 1959 as the first full time elementary school physical education teacher. He held that position for 34 years. Dean implemented the annual Little Olympics and Flag Football Playdays. Dean's early influence inspired many Lamar students on the path to successful athletic careers.
After retirement, Dean and Sue moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. They enjoyed many years of travel to numerous countries, spending summers at their cabin in Guffey, Colorado, and staying active in the First Christian Church of Scottsdale.
In addition to his wife, Sue, Dean was preceded in death by their infant son, Scott; granddaughter, Katie Coulter; brother-in-law, Phil Forney; nine sisters and one brother.
Dean is survived by three daughters, Kerri (Mike) Coulter, Sherri (Jim) Fleetwood, and Nikki (Warren) Brown; son, Tim Travis; and sister-in-law, Mary Frances Forney. Dean shared his love with six grandchildren, Travis (Bryan) Coulter, Casey (Diana) Coulter, Kirk (Lanie) Goslee, Shandi (Brian) Tippett, Kyle Even and Matthew (Danielle) Even; 11 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandsons.
Dean's wry wit and sarcastic barbs will be missed by those who knew and loved him. If Dean referred to you as a "Dingbat", consider yourself among his favorites.
Memorial services for Dean and Sue: Monday, July 3, 2023, 10:00 am, Chamberlain Funeral Home, Mound City, followed by military honors. Private family inurnment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City.
