Travis Leon Kelly

Travis Leon Kelly, who used his fighting spirit to protect children and advocate for social justice, passed away on November 3, 2025 in Camarillo, CA. He was 83.

Travis was born in Hutchinson, KS. on June 23, 1942 to the late Rev. Eugene H. Kelly, Jr. and late Rev. Helen J. (Chick) Kelly. Due to his parents' pastoral careers, much of his childhood was spent relocating to various cities including Wichita, KS, Topeka, KS. and Kansas City, MO.

Shortly after graduating from Sumner High School, Travis served in the army during the Vietnam War era. Following his years of service, he decided to pursue higher education. Travis earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from California State University at Northridge. Intent on making an impact in the lives of children, he completed a Master of Social Work with a concentration in children and families at San Diego State University.

In 2005, he retired from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services after 20 years. During his career, he advocated for children in various ways including assessing family suitability, investigating child abuse and neglect allegations and recruiting foster/adoptive parents. His work also entailed teaching proper parenting techniques for "at risk" children. In addition, he was a proud member of the worker's union.

In his time away from social work, he enjoyed acting and would often perform at the Pasadena Playhouse. His charismatic personality and stage presence often attracted large crowds.

Travis believed it was his civic duty to raise awareness around community issues. One way he did this was by serving on the Oxnard Community Relations Commission, whose mission was to look into issues of racial tension, discrimination and to promote community understanding. While a commissioner, he pushed for a civilian oversight panel following the fatal police shooting of a bystander.

A common thread throughout Travis' life was jazz music. There were few days that passed without him listening to jazz. He would often say, "jazz for breakfast." It seemed he used it as a time machine to transport him to earlier times and as a melodic distraction from the challenges of the day.

His favorite musicians, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker, were often heard playing in the background when he answered the phone.

The only thing that Travis talked about more than jazz was his two daughters and grandchildren. He was a father who loved with intention, providing emotional empathy on challenging days and in seasons of great loss. He was a confidante who listened without judgement.

Travis lifted his daughters up on their lowest days and cheered them on at their highest highs. Always reminding them that no accomplishment mattered more than their happiness.

Travis is survived by his daughters, Autumn Kelly of Oxnard, CA. and Ashley (Craig) Speed of Odenton, MD; grandchildren Miles Speed and Noelle Speed; aunts Sharon (Otis) Green and Samella Kelly; uncle Mark Kelly and cousin Jerry Gun.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Eugene H. Kelly, Jr. and Rev. Helen J. (Chick) Kelly and brother Eugene H. Kelly, III.

On Wednesday, November 19 at 2 p.m. a Celebration of Life service will be held at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo, CA. An internment service will follow.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director