Joseph R. “Joe” Travis, 63, of Parsons died at 10:28 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at his home. He had been in failing health.

He was born Jan. 24, 1948, in Liberty, N.Y., to Raymond Ross and Phyllis (Kissock) Travis. He lived in several cities while growing up.

In 1968, he joined the Navy and served as a medic for the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He suffered injuries in the war and was discharged in 1972.

Following the war, he lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, before moving to Kansas. He attended Pittsburg State University and the University of Kansas.

He moved to Parsons in 1988. He worked for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services for 17 years as a social worker.

Travis enjoyed nature, doing yard work, computers, camping and reading.

He was a member of the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans.

He married Patricia I. Manning on Feb. 24, 1978, at Independence. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Heather McGuire and her husband, Ron, of Erie; four grandchildren, Casey Evans, Corey Luttrell, Kimber Campmier, Ashley Young; a great-grandson, Leonrik Young; a brother, Jim Travis of Rogers, Ark.; a sister, Dianna Benson of Atlanta, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, April.

Mr. Travis has been cremated and there will be no service.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. These may be left at or mailed to the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.