Billy Vaughn Travis

Billy Vaughn Travis, 89 of DeKalb IL passed away peacefully on January 8,2025 at Oak Crest surrounded by family.
He was born May 23,1935 in Nashua MT. He was the youngest son of Norman and Izetta (Lingle) Travis.
Billy graduated from Kirkland high school in May 1953. He enlisted in the US Air Force October 14, 1953 and served until September 16, 1957. He was in the 17th field maintenance squadron repairing aircraft electrical systems. After honorable discharge he attended DeVry technical institute in Chicago. In April of 1958 he returned to Japan to marry Michiko Sato.
Over the course of his career as a computer technician he worked for many companies including Honeywell, Teledyne, Zenith and Xerox. He was one of the last remaining people in the US who worked on mainframe computer systems, and traveled all over the states doing so.
After retirement Billy kept busy taking care of his investment properties, telling stories, and sometimes taking Michiko to win money at the casino. His favorite story was about returning to Japan to marry his sweetheart.
Any birthday was extra special if uncle Billy called to sing happy birthday in his Tiny Tim imitation. If you were really lucky he would also sing Tiptoe through the Tulips.
Billy San is survived by Michiko, his wife of 66 years, his nieces Dianna and Brenda and their families, extended family and many friends. Visitation will be Saturday Jan 18 from 11am-noon at Olson Funeral home in Kirkland followed by a family funeral service and burial at Maple cemetery. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Oak Crest and the Bright Star caregivers who helped Billy remain in the comfort of his home during his illness.