Ray L. Travis, 80, of Mexico, passed away at 12:56 p.m., Saturday, May 07, 2016, at University Hospital in Columbia.

A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, May 12, 2016, at East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico with Marvin Rodenbaugh officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 am until service time at Pickering Funeral Home in Mexico.

Ray was born on Sept. 21, 1935, in Louisiana, a son of George and Lillie (Love) Travis. On Sept. 25, 1955, in Clarksville, he married Jordena Gay Cannon who survives at the home.

Ray served 8 years in the National Guard from 1956 to 1964, he received his qualification as sharpshooter using an M-1 rifle. He taught electrical wiring classes at the Vo-Tech in Mexico and for FFA and Young Farmers groups for many years. He developed and presented electrical safety classes for schools, scout groups, and 4-H meetings, as well as business organizations. He worked as director of member services for Consolidated Electric for 42 years. He worked the 4-H electrical theatre at the Missouri State Fair for several years on behalf of Consolidated Electric. Years ago he was active in the Mexico Jaycees and he was a member of the NRA. He loved hunting and looked forward to his annual hunting trips. He was a member of First Christian Church.

In addition to his wife survivors include one son, Kevin Ray Travis and wife Michelle, Whitewright, TX; two daughters, Penny Raye Allen and husband Ethan, Foristell, MO, and Patricia Renee Brown and husband Jay, St. Peters; 10 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, George David Travis; two sisters, Katheryn Elliott, and Maxine Travis; and one brother Guy Travis, and one grandson, Ethan Wesley Allen Jr.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.