Travis E. Burns, 79, passed away Friday morning, April 17, 2015 at his home in Heartville.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015 in his home state of Arkansas, at the Friendship Cemetery in El Dorado.

Travis was born June 7, 1935 in El Dorado, Arkansas. He married Geraldine Rowell on August 25, 1955. He brought his family to Illinois in 1970. Travis retired from Koch Industries and Staley Grain and held various positions in the Elks and Moose Lodges during the 1970's and 1980's. He took great pride in everything he did from his family, his work and his gardening. Nothing made him happier than to share some of the produce and canned goods out of his garden with his family, friends and neighbors. All of the best times in his life were spent with his wife of 60 years, doing what they loved the most, fishing and traveling. Travis was a true southern gentleman.

Travis is survived by his wife, Geraldine; three children, Jimmy Wayne and wife, Donna, Lewis Rowell and wife, Jean, Linda and husband, Brad; grandchildren, Nicole, Dan, Kearstin, Dustin, Heather, Michelle, Stephanie, J.T., Caleigh and Brandon; nine great-grandchildren also survive.

Thanks to all those who touched his life and his family's lives during this difficult time before his passing, with a special thank you to his dear friends and neighbors, members of the United Methodist Church of Watson and the St. Anthony's Hospice Care.