UPDATED SERVICES

Gerald Peter Travis (Jerry) passed away peacefully at his home on August 26, 2019. He was born on November 21, 1932, in Peekskill, New York, to Laurence Farley Travis and Elsie Marie Kohler Travis. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Bertie G. Travis, his son, Mark A. Travis, and his brother, Laurence Travis. He is survived by his children, Jerry P. Travis, Jr., Karen Jones (Skip Jones), Anita Pollard (Steve Pollard) and Christopher J. Travis (Lisa Travis), 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Jerry attended Peekskill High School and at the age of 16, after the passing of his father, entered the workforce to support his mother. At 17 years old, he enlisted in the Airways & Air Communications branch of the United States Air Force (USAF) and served for 4 years. After receiving an honorable discharge from the USAF, he moved to West Palm Beach. Here he met and married Bertie and began working for Orkin Pest Control Company. In 1967, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own business, Travis Pest Management, Inc. in Stuart, Florida.

Jerry found great joy in serving God, as a Eucharistic Minister and Usher, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where he was a parishioner for over 50 years. Jerry was a longtime resident of Stuart and was very involved in his community. He was a founding father and Grand Knight with the Stuart Knights of Columbus. He was a long-time member and past president of the Stuart Rotary Club. Jerry was also active in the Florida Pest Management Association and the National Pest Management Association.

Jerry was a kind, gentle, and humble man with a dry sense of humor and welcoming demeanor. He held a special place in his heart for the employees that worked with him over the years.  He took many of them under his wing to make sure they were cared for when they needed a helping hand. He was a loving and supportive family man who loved life and enjoyed camping with his family, boating in the Florida Keys and in the Bahamas, and traveling abroad. He had a passion for learning and was an avid reader of the Bible, American, and World history, archeology, astrology, and had a keen interest in the Civil War.

Jerry will be missed by his family and friends. We know that he is at peace in his wife's loving arms in heaven until we see you again.

Visitation: Monday, September 9 ^th , 4:00-6:00 PM, with a vigil from 6:00 – 6:15 PM at Forest Hills Funeral Home Palm City.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 10 ^th , at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stuart.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice