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Ted W. Travis

Ted W. Travis, 81, of Richwood, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, at OSU Hospital, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Ted was born on September 26, 1944, in Richwood, the son of the late Marion E. and Elizabeth Mildred "Libby" (Martino) Travis. He was a proud 1962 graduate of Richwood High School And remained deeply connected to the community he called home throughout his life. After high school, Ted began working at Marion Tecumseh, where he spent 17 years. When the plant closed, Ted did what came naturally to him-he rolled up his sleeves and created something of his own. He opened Travis's Garage, a home-based business that he successfully operated for many years until his retirement. Ted was a true example of a strong work ethic, taking pride in doing things right and never being afraid of hard work. Ted was, in every sense, his own man. He was rough around the edges, spoke his mind, and was never one to sugarcoat things. And if you knew Ted well, you also knew he could cuss like a sailor when the occasion called for it. That was simply Ted being Ted. Beneath that gruff exterior was a man with a big heart, a strong sense of loyalty, and a genuine love for the people who mattered most to him. Those who knew him best understood that his sometimes-colorful language was just part of the character that made him unforgettable. For those who knew Ted, there was no mistaking one of his greatest passions: classic cars. Cars were much more than a hobby to Ted; they were a way of life. He could spend hours talking about them, working on them, looking for parts, or searching through junk yards for that special find. He loved car shows and swap meets and enjoyed the excitement of finding something that others might have overlooked. Many good memories were made along the way. Ted found enjoyment in the simple routines of everyday life, too. He loved mowing the lawn, and there was a certain satisfaction in keeping things looking just right. He also frequently enjoyed lunch at the Villa, where he could catch up with friends and local folks. Ted was a familiar face at the "liars' table," where he and the locals would sit together, tell stories, give each other a hard time, and, of course, decide which stories were actually true. Those lunches and conversations were more than just a meal-they were a cherished part of Ted's connection to his community. Ted also loved music and enjoyed going to see Phil Dirt and the Dozers and Mike Albert. He knew how to enjoy life, especially when surrounded by good music, interesting cars, and the people he cared about. But above all else, Ted loved his family. His family was his greatest treasure, and he took pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow. He will be remembered for his loyalty, his generosity, his determination, and the many ways he showed the people around him that he cared. He may not have always been sentimental or expressed his feelings with a lot of words, but those who knew him understood the depth of his love. Left to cherish Ted's memory is his loving partner, Frances Myers; his children, Rodney (Sharon) Travis of Centerville, Rebecca Gruber of Marion, and Robert (Lisa) Travis of Marion; grandchildren, Lance Travis, Cody Travis, Brooke Travis, Michael Gruber, Marcus Gruber, Vincent Travis, Bryston Travis, Jaxon Travis, Ethan Travis, and Kamden Travis; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin J. Dennis, and his brothers, Ned Travis and Roger Travis. Ted leaves behind a lifetime of memories-family gatherings, conversations in the garage, classic cars, car shows, swap meets, mowing the lawn, lunches at the Villa, music, colorful language, and sitting around the "liars' table" sharing stories and laughs with friends and neighbors. Ted wasn't perfect, and he never claimed to be. He was rough around the edges, hardworking, stubborn, loyal, funny, and one-of-a-kind. He lived life his way, loved his family fiercely, and left his mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. Services celebrating his life will be held Sunday September 13, 2026 at 4:00 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood. Pastor David Lippert will officate. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home in Richwood. Private burial will take place in the Price Cemetery Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Directions to Price Cemetery Florist Login

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Condolences       to #1 from: Dennis & Peggy Wilson Richwood Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 3:42 PM Another very special Essex friend, gone , but never forgotten! Prayers for peace and comfort for his loved one!! #2 from: Bob Welch   Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 6:17 PM I got to know Ted around 26 years ago and am glad I did. Really a good person once I got to know him. Rest in peace now Ted, you deserve it. Condolences to his family. #3 from: Traci Hoffman   Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 6:32 PM Rodney, my sincere condolences to you my friend. Your dad was a great guy. Hugs #4 from: Sue Dilsaver and Ivan Foreman Petersburg mi Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 7:11 PM I’m not sure who wrote the obituary, but they hit the nail on the head. We loved Ted because he was fun loving, he was honest, he was straightforward. He could tell a joke like nobody could, but he was kind. We graduated with him and his brother and I’m proud to have called both of them my friends! sending sympathy to his family,   Ivan and Sue Foreman. #5 from: Dan Redmond Ashley , Ohio Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 7:26 PM Ted's loved ones, I am sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I have many good memories of times spent with Ted as  my friend.  Rest in peace for you have surely earned it. #6 from: Angela Phipps Mt Victory Tue, Sep 8, 2026 at 1:48 PM So sorry to hear of Ted's passing seen n talked with him while back of course at the liars table what a good guy I can always remember years ago he would stop in for a glass of ice tea he said it was the best.  He truly was one of the good ones RIP my Ole friend #7 from: David Lippert Morral Ohio Tue, Sep 8, 2026 at 10:58 PM To know Ted was to know a true gentleman and if you were a friend, it was a lifetime adventure.  I last talked to him on the phone two days before he passed not knowing it would be the last time we would converse on the phone. I wanted to tell him I moved back to the Marion area and could be closer if he needed anything. Two days later Rodney called me to tell me the news that Ted had made his final passage into eternity.  I will miss our talks and a true friendship that is very rare in this day and age. God speed Ted Travis a life well lived! #8 from: Judy Baker MARYSVILLE Wed, Sep 9, 2026 at 2:48 PM So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. #9 from: Russ and Terri Sivey Delaware Wed, Sep 9, 2026 at 7:35 PM So very sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. I didn’t realize he had been ill. Hadn’t talked to him in quite a few years. But we have good memories of playing games with him and Susie. He used to call me sometimes and just talk for an hour. I think I was a good sounding board. Your obit was right in that he was rough around the edges but a heart of gold. We are going to be out of town the day of the funeral and hate to say we won’t be at the funeral. Our sincere sympathy to all of the family. #10 from: Jim & Gayle Minter Phoenix AZ Thu, Sep 10, 2026 at 11:17 AM Our condolences to the entire Travis family. Ted & Ned where my high school class mates and certainly part of those memories. Someone once said-- that you are never really gone until you are forgotten, and from the extent of Ted's family, that will be a very long time.  RIP. Jim & Gayle Minter  Phoenix, AZ #11 from: Beckie McMahan  Congrove and Mike Marysville Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 8:28 AM Frances and Ted’s Family, Ted and I graduated together and for the last several years have spent many fun times eating, playing cards, driving around the country sides and enjoying whatever car we were using.  We will miss his sense of humor as well as his story telling talent.  Rest well old friend, you will finally be able to breath without pain.  Our prayers are with you. Beckie and Mike Congrove

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