Travis Thomas

Travis Leon Thomas (“Pop”)

December 28, 1932 – September 21, 2021

Travis Thomas spent his life in service to others and then went to meet his Lord on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. He loved his family, Masonic Lodge, fishing, and the Spurs.

Born to farmers, Willie and Lillian Thomas in Liberty, TX, Travis soon moved to Elkhart, TX where he attended 12 years of school. Nicknamed “Pop” by his teammates, he was a standout football player for the Elkhart Elks and set many rushing records, some which still stand today.

Upon graduation, Travis enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country fighting in the Korean War. There, he contracted Malaria which dogged him throughout his life. After his tour of duty ended, he returned to Elkhart to marry Helen Parker Thomas and moved to Austin to enroll in the Texas Department of Public Safety Academy. His daughter, Rhonda Kaye was born and the small family was sent to Taylor, TX for his first DPS post. Son Karl Wayne was born shortly before Travis was transferred to his next assigned post of Burnet, TX. During his 14 years with the DPS one of his regular duties was guarding President Lyndon B. Johnson and wife, Ladybird when they came to Texas. Always lots of stories associated with those ventures!

Travis loved Burnet and was proud to be named a Burnet Honor Citizen. His work with the Kiwanis Club led to founding the Burnet Little League and constructing Oscar Jones Field, named for his beloved DPS partner. He never missed a Burnet Bulldog game.

In 1975 Travis was hired as the Georgetown Chief of Police. Though sad to leave Burnet, it was a larger police force and good opportunity. During his 10 years in Georgetown he met and married Judy Sill with whom he happily spent the next 32 years.

In 1985 Travis took the position as Chief of Police for Luling, TX and served there until his retirement in 1998.

His final years were spent in Marble Falls, TX where he volunteered tirelessly at the Helping Center with his dear friend, Mary Azam. He was a Lifetime member of the San Gabriel Masonic Lodge #89 in Georgetown as well as a member of the Hardeman Masonic Lodge in Luling, the Valley Masonic Lodge #175 in Burnet and the Blazing Star Masonic Lodge #413 in Marble Falls.

Travis is survived by his daughter Rhonda Nesrsta and son-in-law Andy Nesrsta. Grandchildren Blake Nesrsta, Taylor Nesrsta Willis (husband Cody Willis), Nick Minzenmayer, Zoe Thomas, Jana Renee Hunt, and Rebecca Thomas. Great Grandchildren Brooklyn Weaver, Wesley Weaver, and Jo Landsell.  He also leaves behind his extended family members, Judy Thomas, Brina Baker, Tracy and Anthony Hohstadt, Daniel, Carolyn, Holly, and Rachel Sill.

Services to be determined.