Travis W. Pearse Jr.

Travis W. Pearse, Jr.
of Jackson, Michigan
August 19, 1947 to January 8, 2025
Travis passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, in the loving presence of his family at the age of 77. Born the second child to Travis Wakefield "Tap" and Lela "Pat" Pearse in Evanston, Illinois, on August 19, 1947.
Trav is survived by his loving wife, Armida, and three daughters, Heidi (Jonathan) Mills, Lara Pearse (Marlon Shepherd), and Anita (Nicholas) Quillen; three sisters: Kay (Chuck) Danby, Sandy (MJ) Sachs, and Barbara (Jean Robert) Raynaldy; brothers-in-law: Carlos Flores, and Isidoro (Mary) Flores; seven grandchildren: Madison Mills, Kellen Quillen, Cade Quillen, Harlow Mills, Jax Conley, Phoenix Mills, and Isla Conley; as well as several special nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Travis "Tap" and Lela "Pat" Pearse, and grandson Jude Mills.
Trav moved to Jackson, Michigan, in 1955. Although he was not born here, he was a proud member of the Jackson community. Trav attended Jackson Public Schools until his 9th grade year, when he transferred to Howe Military Academy in Indiana.
After graduating with honors from Howe Military Academy in 1966, he attended Adrian College, where he joined Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. However, his college path took a detour in 1967 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Corporal. Not only did his detour lead him to become a lifelong brother of the US Marines, but it also allowed him the opportunity to meet his wife of 54 years, Armida Flores. Trav and Armida met while Trav was enlisted in Kansas City, Missouri. Following his service with the Marines, he returned to Adrian College and completed his degree in 1973.
Upon graduating from Adrian College, Trav and Armida moved to Kalamazoo, where they welcomed their three daughters. They returned to Jackson in 1984 and set down permanent roots. He built lifelong friendships that he held dear to his heart. Many of these friends shared their adventures traveling, attending the famous holiday parties at their residence of 40 years, and enjoying Clark Lake in the summer months.
Trav had a long history of steadfast dedication and leadership throughout his professional career in banking, manufacturing sales, and entrepreneurship. He finished his career as President and Chief Executive Officer of a large automotive manufacturer, and he was also instrumental in implementing the first plastic product into a car engine block. He retired from manufacturing to start another endeavor that led to a pivotal development in the medical sterilization industry utilizing ozone.
In addition to his professional career, he continued to support Howe Military Academy and Adrian College. He was a Board of Trustee Member for both institutions for decades. He spent countless hours helping his alma maters keep the traditions that shaped him into the man he was.
Trav is known for his charismatic, outgoing personality and vibrance for life, regardless of the situation. He believed strongly in a routine and exhibited that discipline. He loved traveling and spent much of his life on adventures with Armida and his girls. His family came first, which he demonstrated by being present during life's moments for his daughters and his seven grandchildren.
Trav loved to entertain and welcomed anyone into his home. He always made sure a guest never felt like a guest but instead felt like family. His welcoming nature made him well-known among his daughters' friends and others.
He was "Papa Trav" or simply "Papa" to so many. With his handshake and warm welcome, he could make a stranger feel special. They would leave feeling as if they had known him their whole lives. He was truly genuine.
The family would like to thank Henry Ford Oncology, Henry Ford Palliative Care Nurses, and Careline Hospice for their attentiveness and support for the whole family. They would also like to thank dear friend Debbie Hughes for her friendship, which made the battle less lonely; we are forever grateful.
A visitation will be held at the Pearse Residence in Jackson on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Celebration of Life will be held at the Country Club of Jackson on Friday, March 7th, 2025. It will include a Military Honors Ceremony at 11:30 a.m., a prayer service at noon, and a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Trav's honor can be made to the Tunnel to Towers at www.t2t.org or the Cascades Humane Society at www.chspets.com.
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