Lewis Frank Travis

Lewis Travis, aged 88, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Poppen Hospice Residence in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born January 11, 1936, the youngest child of Roy and Daisy (Palmer) Travis, and he grew up in Grandville. He graduated from Grandville High School in 1954 and married Nancy Goodale September 23, 1955. They lived in Standale forever, raised their daughters there, and recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. He and Nancy liked to go for rides and made frequent trips to the beach, Mackinac Bridge, and Shipshewana (for the perfect popcorn). They were longtime members of Grandville United Methodist Church.

Lewis worked for Valley Truck Parts in Wyoming, Michigan for 42 years. He spent the first 32 years as a heavy-duty mechanic, and his last 10 as a truck driver - those were the years he enjoyed the most. He drove all over the United States, often with Nancy riding along, to pick up wrecked trucks that had been purchased for parts. He also drove Valley’s show truck “Grey Ghost” in truck and tractor pulls. After retiring, he drove another 11 years for Re-Source Industries, Inc. in Muskegon, a company owned by his daughter and son-in-law. He was a longtime league bowler, first at Grand Valley Lanes in Allendale, then at Fairlanes in Grandville.

When he retired the second time, it was to enjoy time working in his garage on small engines and bicycles, planting tomatoes, maintaining the lawn, fighting with the squirrels and the oak leaves that fell in the backyard, planting tomatoes, watching NASCAR, keeping his bird feeders full, planting tomatoes, and cheering loudly for the Detroit Lions. He always planted too many tomatoes.

Lewis is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughters Mary Travis of Norton Shores and Randi (Paul) Kuyt of Ravenna; grandchildren Jacob Kuyt and Elizabeth Kuyt of Muskegon; brother-in-law, Jack (Aletha) Goodale; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ruth Lemon, Doris Olsen, Iris Williams, and Roy Travis Jr.

The family would like to thank his wonderful friends and neighbors Merle Potgeter, Rod and Karen Whitaker, and Marty and Nancy Heyboer for all the kindness and help over the last few years of Lew’s illness.

A funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024 at Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, Michigan, Pastor Ryan Wieland officiating, with visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m. A private family burial will take place later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lewis’ honor to Grandville United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.