Cecil Dwight Travis; age 91 of Shepherd passed away Friday, May 22, 2026 at MyMichigan Medical Center of Midland. Cecil was born February 12, 1935 the son of Chester and Pauline (Moore) Travis. Cecil proudly served his country in the United States Army during the 1950s, spending time stationed in France. Following his return home, he went to work for Midland Dow, where he worked for many years while continuing to pursue what was truly his passion in life; farming. After leaving Dow, Cecil devoted himself fully to farming, something that brought him great pride and fulfillment throughout his life.
Cecil enjoyed the simple pleasures that came with family, hard work, and the outdoors. In his younger years, he loved camping around Michigan with his family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Later in life, he and his beloved wife, Yvonne, whom he married on May 3, 1958, looked forward each year to spending several weeks camping together in Gulf Shores. He also developed a passion for collecting old John Deere tractors, enjoying both their history and craftsmanship.
Above all else, Cecil treasured time spent with his family. He loved attending family gatherings and especially cherished the moments shared with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of farming, quiet dedication to family, and the many memories created with those he loved most.
Cecil is survived by his wife Yvonne; 2 sons Kim (Sandy) Travis of Shepherd and Kirk (Judy) Travis of Shepherd; 7 grandchildren Kyle (Emily) Travis of Ada, Jennifer Helm of Hawaii, Kelsey (Marshall Gruber) Travis of Orland Park, IL, Samantha Helm of Shepherd, Larissa Travis of Grand Rapids, Justine (Jim) Rasche of Grand Rapids, and Andrew Travis of Grand Rapids; 6 great grandchildren Hailey, Madison, Isabelle, Charlie, Theodore, and Keegan; 4 siblings Zora Salisbury of Columbia, SC, Dean (Sharon) Travis of St. Louis, Gale (Karen) Travis of Port Sanilac, and Paul (Beverly) Travis of Noblesville, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cecil is preceded in death by both his parents and 2 sisters Mary Biddlecomb and Marvel Travis.
Services for Cecil will be Saturday, May 30 at the Shepherd United Methodist Church at 11 A.M. with visitation from 10 A.M. until time of service. There will also be visitation Friday, May 29 from 4 to 8 P.M. at Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd. Memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Cecil to the Shepherd Community Fund honoring Robert H. Bates. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Arbor Grove for their care over the past few months.
