Obituary of Travis Wayne Overstreet, Sr.

Travis Wayne Overstreet Sr., 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, November the 11th. Travis was proceeded in death by his parents Mahlon and Nadine Overstreet, and his brother Keith Overstreet. Writer, Hunter S. Thompson said, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” This is the way Travis Wayne lived his life, as those who were lucky enough to be along for even just a few minutes of it will quickly tell you their favorite story about! Just like his Father, Travis Wayne was a proud member of The United States Marine Corps. He served two tours in Vietnam with his Brothers in Arms of the 1st Force Marine Recon. He was honored for his valor in service with three Purple Heart metals. Travis Wayne served as a Drill Instructor, OCS Infantry Instructor, and a Military Police Officer and in many other roles during his distinguished military career. He was passionate about his role as a Dog Handler while in the Marines and throughout his life almost always had at least one K-9 campaign and so many stories about his dogs. In recent years, his pup Sandy was a loyal and loving friend, who proceeded him in death. The discipline, sense of duty, patriotism and all around bad-assery he developed in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest. Travis Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. He was a professional rock climbing and canoeing instructor and shared his love and knowledge with countless people. Those who took his classes echo that he taught them to trust themselves, their gear and their team. Travis Wayne considered being a father to Travis Wayne Overstreet, II his greatest accomplishment. It was in this role that he became a Scout Master for The Boy Scouts of America and quickly became a father figure and mentor to many. He led them on canoeing, backpacking, climbing and camping adventures. Travis Wayne was incredibly proud that his son followed the family tradition and joined The Marine Corps. Their father/son relationship became one of true friendship over the years. They became involved in the Adventure Racing community, often teaching classes and directing climb sites together while making everyone around them feel like a part of their family. When Travis married Jennifer, Travis Wayne welcomed her and loved her as the daughter he never had. His greatest joy was becoming Poppy O to Gavin and Gabby, he loved introducing them to paddling and taking them out for rides in his Jeep. His very favorite “family tradition” was his annual New Year’s camping trip where just about anyone who ever crossed his path was welcome to come, eat, share a toast, tell a story by the glow of the campfire, and maybe even dare to go for a quick dip in North Creek. As one frequent attendee of the gathering said, ”Y’all are the best kind of crazy and I’m so thankful to have shared these NYE’s with you.” “Wow. What a ride,” is just about all those he is survived by – Travis Overstreet II and wife, Jennifer; Grandchildren Gavin and Gabby Overstreet; close friends The Ales Family; Dewayne Newman and Family; Michael Staton and Family; many other friends and family – can manage to say as they process this loss and celebrate a life lived to its fullest, always focused on family and adventure and service. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 15th, 2021 at Updike Funeral Chapel in Bedford with The Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.