Obituary published on Legacy.com by Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home, Inc. - Columbus on Oct. 10, 2025.
Travis S. Close, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at his home at the age of 36. Born on December 13, 1988, in Galveston, Texas to Shawn M. Close and Velvet R. Burnett. He married Lacey T. Harper on (2/22/12) on their 5 year dating anniversary. They were together since (2/22/07) when they were just 15 and 18 years old. Travis was a beloved husband, father, son, and a cherished member of the Columbus community, where he spent his final years.
Travis's early life in Galveston was only until he was 1 year old, but he absolutely loved Texas and always wanted to go back and visit. His childhood was filled with adventures, where he developed his lifelong hobbies of fishing, exploring and shooting guns. Travis also loved to work on cars or take on DIY home improvement projects. Everyone considered him a master cooking on the grill and smoker, which he absolutely loved to do.
Professionally, Travis always wanted to continue moving up at his job to support his family. At the time of his passing, he was enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Program at Ivy Tech through Cummins. He took pride in becoming a more successful person. Travis brought the same passion and precision to his work at Cummins Engine Plant, where his colleagues respected him for his work ethic and his collaborative spirit. His contributions to the company and the industry were significant, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who worked alongside him.
Above all, Travis was a family man. His wife and children were the epicenter of his world. He approached fatherhood & life with Lacey with the same enthusiasm and commitment that he did every other aspect of his life. Travis ensured that his family shared in his passions and that they always felt loved and supported. Him and Lacey were always considered the couple goals and deeply admired by everyone for their special dedication and love for each other. They were just different. Always wanted to be around each other 24 hours a day and missed each other at the very second they had to leave and go to work or other places. That never faded even after almost 20 years together.
Travis's legacy is one of love, dedication, and joy. He lived his life fully, embracing each day with a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the lives of those around him. His unwavering support, and his boundless generosity have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.
In keeping with Travis's wishes cremation is planned. There will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to Lacey Close directly or a gofundme account that was created to help the family.
Survivors include his wife, Lacey T. Close; sons, Dallas and Tavian Close; daughters, Alexa, Myleigh and Tinley Close; father, Shawn M. Close; brothers, Brandon Close, Tyler Close and Dustin Close all of
Columbus, IN, Zack (Jordan) Close of Colorado and step-brother, Jesse Watts.
Travis was preceded in death by his mother, Velvet R. Connor and sister, Brittany Watts.