LESTER TRAVIS

LESTER TRAVIS 05/30/1949 - 11/03/2025 Hammondsport/Himrod - Lester Monroe Travis, 76, most recently of Wayne, N.Y., died on November 3, 2025, at FF Thompson Hospital with his loving wife Robin at his side. His family received friends and loved ones on Tuesday, November 11 from 3 - 7 p.m. at Milo Center United Methodist Church, 1415 Milo Center Road, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Light refreshments were served. A Celebration of Life will be held in spring 2026 with Reverend Anne Waasdorp officiating with a date and time to be announced. Lester was born in Penn Yan, N.Y., to Howard M. and Beulah Travis on May 30, 1949, where he grew up on an active dairy farm overlooking Seneca Lake. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1967 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in agriculture from Cornell University. He served as a specialist in the United States Army from 1971-1973, after which he returned to work on his family's dairy farm. In 1977, he began working as a 4-H agent for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Steuben County and later Yates County. He later served as the district manager for the Yates County Soil and Water Conservation District for 20 years, where he was the recipient of the William F. Croney Distinguished Service award. He continued to work at a regional level for NY State Ag and Markets, before retiring in 2011. Lester was an avid gardener, known for his beautiful flower beds. He was also skilled at needlework, creating many treasured family heirlooms. He was involved in 4-H youth development throughout his life, as a member, leader, and agent, and has always attributed his leadership skills to his experience with the organization. He was an active member of Milo Center United Methodist Church, a volunteer at Keuka Comfort Care, and served on the Grove Mount Cemetery board. He and Robin spent 14 winters in Florida and were very active in their 55+ community. Lester is survived by his wife of 45 cherished years, Robin; his son Adam, his favorite East Coast daughter-in-law Natalie, and his treasured grandson Landon; and his son Seth and his favorite West Coast daughter-in-law Emma; as well as his siblings Diane (Rich), Alan (Peggy), Brenda, and Claudia (Doreen), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Beulah. Memorial contributions may be made to Milo Center United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 299, Penn Yan, NY 14527, or to Keuka Comfort Care, P.O. Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527. Lester lived a life of service and was a faithful Christian. His warmth and generosity of spirit was felt by all who knew him, even through his final days. Lester was a loving husband and father, deeply committed to his entire family, and he will be deeply missed. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home Dundee, N.Y. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.