Travis Don Holley

A memorial service for Travis Don Holley, age 89 of Lubbock, Texas will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, Dec. 5 at Sander’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Lawrence Jones officiating. Family will receive friends immediately following. Travis Don Holley was born July 10, 1927 in Vernon, Texas. Shortly after his birth, his mother brought him home to Lubbock where he spent his entire life, except for his years in military service. He died unexpectedly Thursday evening, Dec. 1 at his Lubbock home with his devoted daughter at his side. Travis spent his life in service to his country, his family, and his Savior, Jesus Christ. He attended Lubbock High School, but dropped out at age 17 to join the USMC, where he served in WWII as a flame-thrower at Iwo Jima, and as an MP at Okinawa and Hawaii, where he also entertained troops with his lilting voice and rhythm guitar, and boxed in the Welterweight division. He was a hard-worker and craftsman, and provided for his family by setting tile in many of Lubbock’s schools, hospitals, and residences. In his retirement he built dozens of guitars for friends and family, many of which he gave away. Until recently, he led AA groups for over 20 years, and is beloved by that community. Travis often expressed his love for Jesus Christ, and his undying gratitude for God’s grace and forgiveness. He attended Tabernacle Baptist Church from early childhood throughout most of his life, where he led the singing for many years. In later years, he attended Westminster Presbyterian and Liberty Baptist churches. Travis was a talented musician throughout his life, starting in childhood with his brothers at local talent competitions. He was a loving husband, and an adoring father and grandfather. In 1952 Travis married Geneva Mendenhall in Clovis, New Mexico. They were married for 25 years until her death in 1977. Later that year he married Sarah Reneau Callaway in Lubbock. They were married for 32 years, until her death in 2009. In addition to his wives, Travis was preceded in death by his younger brother, Charles Hardin “Buddy” Holley; parents, L.O. Holley, Ella Drake Holley; sister, Patricia Kaiter; and nephew, Lee Weir. Survivors include his older brother, Larry Holley; a daughter and son-in-law, David and Travetta Holley Johnson; step-sons, David and Paul Callaway; a foster daughter, Glenda Jahnke; granddaughters, Holly Lungwitz, Amelia Peterson, and Betsy Johnson; four nieces, Sherry Holley Scales, Cindy Graves, Gina York, and Ingrid Kaiter; two nephews, Eddie Weir and Randy Holley; and six great-grandchildren. Travis requested memorials go to Liberty Baptist Church, 4023-34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410.

Travis Don Holley

July 10, 1927 - December 1, 2016