Travis T. Mcmorrough

Travis T. McMorrough, age 86, of Georgetown, formerly of West, passed away Friday afternoon, October 29, 2010 at his residence. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, with Bill Powell officiating. Graveside services will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Waco. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Travis was born October 19, 1924 on a farm outside of West to Burton Yandell and Faye (Newmann) McMorrough Jr. He grew up in West area and attended school in Tokio. Growing up on the farm, Travis said his fondest memories were of the cattle drives he rode on with his grandfather Burton Yandell, Sr. They would take the cattle to Waco to be put on the train sold in Kansas City. He would spend whatever free time he had after working long hours on the farm to play basketball. He served in the United States Army Air Corp as a Military Policeman, from 1942 to 1945. While stationed at Connally Air Base he met the love of his life Thelma Everett, and they were married on November 11, 1944. He was later stationed in Bakersfield, California. After service to his country, he began his career at General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco, Texas where he worked for 20 years. In 1965, Texas Farm Bureau started a new division called Texas Agriculture Service Company (TASCO) and hired Travis to organize this new division as a fieldman. He traveled the state of Texas working with Farm Bureau dealers setting up the TASCO program. He later became the state coordinator for TASCO, and it was there he continued his employment until retirement. This was the perfect job for him, he loved meeting new people and he loved to travel. Travis loved his work, and developed many friendships that continued until his death. After his retirement he continued to travel with his wife, Thelma and their many friends from West. One of his favorite places to travel was Alberta, Canada to spend time with his daughter Becky and her family. Travis was devoted to his children. When they were young, he worked many hours to provide for them but managed to coach his son in little league, and attend as many sporting events and school functions throughout their years as his schedule would allow. This devotion continued with his grandchildren. In 2002 he moved to Georgetown, Texas to be closer to his grandchildren so he could be more involved in their activities. He had many interests, while employed at General Tire he participated on a men's baseball team. He was an avid golfer and played as much as possible after retirement with his friends and brother-in-law, Shorty Harkins from West. After moving to Sun City in Georgetown, an adult golfing community, he played with his son-in-law Ron almost every Saturday until he became ill. Hunting season was also a favorite time of the year for Travis. He seemed to plan all year long for the season to begin. He enjoyed going to the different leases with his friends, especially Buddy Davis and Don Jones. He loved just to getting together, visiting and cooking out more than the actual hunting. He was an ardent Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys fan, and was so happy to have seen the final game of the playoff series that sent the Rangers to the World Series. Travis was a longtime member of the West Kiwanis Club and always enjoyed the weekly luncheons to catch up with friends. He was a member of West Church of Christ for many years, where he served as Deacon. He later became a member of the Georgetown Church of Christ. Travis is preceded in death by his loving wife, Thelma; his parents; his three brothers, William (Billy) McMorrough, Burt McMorrough, Jr. and Don McMorrough; and two sisters, Shelia McMorrough and Jeanette Seay. He is survived by his son Jerry McMorrough and wife Leslee, of Sun City; two daughters, Becky Wilson and husband Ron of Georgetown and Sharon Zurovec and husband Steve of Liberty Hill; two sisters, Ann Archer and husband Eddie and Evelyn Kettler, all of West; one brother, Kenneth McMorrough and his wife Rita, of West, five grandchildren, Erin Brunelle and husband J.P., Hollie Groom and husband Jason, Wyatt Zurovec, Katelyn Zurovec and Christen Zurovec; four great grandchildren, Madalynne Booth, Maggie Groom, and Ella and Evan Brunelle; many nieces and nephews that adored him; and several other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Jerry McMorrough, Ron Wilson, J.P. Brunelle, Jason Groom, Steve Zurovec and Wyatt Zurovec. Honorary pallbearers are Shorty Harkins, Kenneth McMorrough, Buddy Davis and Don Jones. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Light House Hospice in Georgetown, especially Valerie, Amanda and Dub for their care and support given to Travis.