Travis Foster

Travis Dean Foster was born June 6, 1935 to Annie Mask and James William Foster, in Lingo, Roosevelt County, NM. He was the youngest of 8 boys.

Travis Foster Graduated from Rogers High School in 1952. Travis served in the 3rd Division, 9th Marines from 1954-1957 as a Corporal in Okinawa, Japan, and San Diego, CA. While stationed in San Diego, he worked as Military Police. Travis received the Good Conduct Medal, Nation Defense Medal and Sharpshooter Medal. Travis left the service with Honorable Discharge in 1957.

On March 1, 1958 he married Janelle Skinner. Travis graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in 1961 with a BA in Education. He received a Masters of Education in 1965. Travis taught social studies and math at the junior high level in Tracy CA, for 29 years. In 1990, Travis retired from Tracy Public School District in CA and moved back to his hometown of Portales NM in 1993 when his wife Janelle retired.

Travis was a member of Tracy Community Players Little Theater where he won "Best Actor" Awards for his leading roles in Bus Stop and Picnic. He was a member of Tracy Educators Association, California Teachers Association, California Retired Teachers Association, The Democratic Club of Tracy, CA, The Democratic Club of Portales, NM, Portales Country Club, and 1st Presbyterian Church.

Travis enjoyed farming and raising cattle as well as travelling. He was an avid reader and golfer. He spent many years playing Mandolin, Banjo, and guitar. He had learned to play guitar by ear, from his mother. When Travis wanted to learn to play the piano and violin, he had to finally learn to read music.

During his political years, Travis served as Mayor of Tracy, CA. He also served 3 years on city council and 3 years on San Juaquin Planning Association.

Travis was active in sports. In 1980 he rode his bicycle 1735 miles from Tracy, CA to Portales, NM. Later in life, Travis continued to ride his bike and competed in two marathons in Muleshoe, TX. He enjoyed water aerobics, yoga, tai chi, exercising with the senior citizens in Portales, and he loved walking with his 2 dogs, twice a day.

Travis enjoyed travelling with his wife, Janelle. Together they visited 47 United States, several Canadian Provinces, China, Panama, the Mediterranean, Australia, Scandinavia, and numerous European countries.

Travis is survived by his wife Janelle of 63 years of marriage, 3 children; Braxton Mark of Stockton, CA, Leisel and Husband Steve Hart of Manteca CA, and Stuart Foster of Stockton, CA. Travis leaves 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Travis was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Mask and James William Foster as well as his 7 brothers. They were James Curtis, J.L., Percy, Durward Winfield, Ottis, Thad Norman, and Billy J.

Funeral Services will be private.