Travis Lee Mitchell

Travis Lee Mitchell, 61 a long time Clovis resident, passed away August 23, 2010 at Terrence Cardinal Cooke Health Center in New York City after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his brother Joe and wife Charlene Mitchell of Fort Sumner, his niece Patsy Jo and husband Gordon Morris of Melrose and their children Scott and wife Julie Morris and Kim Morris Skinner. He is also survived by 3 grand nieces and 1 grand nephew as well as numerous cousins. Travis was preceded in death by his parents Melvin, “Doc” and Fern (Killough) Mitchell, his long time friend and companion Bill Elliot, his uncle and aunt, Travis and Bertha Killough. Travis was born and raised in Fort Sumner. He graduated from Fort Sumner High School in 1967 and went on to receive his Master of Arts and a teaching degree from ENMU. On graduating he taught school in Portales for a few years then went to work in advertising for Kmart Stores in Clovis. He later was hired by Excel Corporation in Friona, Texas as Human Resources manager where he worked until 1989. In 1990 he moved to Rapid City, South Dakota working for another company in a Human Resources position. Due to an accident in which his neck was injured and the onset of his lengthy illness Travis returned to Clovis in 1992 and spent his remaining years of health caring for his friend Bill during his battle with cancer. Travis was a man of many talents. He was an artist, a musician, a gardener, a craftsman and designer. He worked with charcoal, pastels, oils, acrylics, and water colors. He loved Christmas, his favorite season of the year. He loved to travel and meet new people. He loved to play games of all kinds, especially 42. He loved the movies and when his disabilities grew the movies were a great source of comfort and relief to him. So he went as often as he could. During all his many trials Travis never lost his sense of humor and his good will towards his neighbors and care takers. He is survived by a host of dear friends who miss his humorous view of life and his great cooking. A memorial service celebrating Travis’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Fort Sumner Church of Christ, Fort Sumner, NM. A reception will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 11:45 AM. Local arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com