Travis Lee Hart

ODESSA On April 24, 2012, Travis Lee Hart, 69, of Midland Texas, closed his eyes in peace and went to see his Jesus leaving behind a hole in our hearts that will never again be filled by a twinkle in his eye, his old fashioned redneck humor and his never dying love for his family and grandchildren. He was born to Arvin and Lillian Dovie Hart on August 24, 1942 in Big Spring, Texas.

Travis grew up in Big Spring, Texas and learned hard work at an early age. He briefly owned his own business, Harts Body & Wrecking Yard. He also drove a cement truck for Clyde MacMahon of Big Spring, drove a wrecker for the City of Big Spring, hauled cotton seed for John Birdwell and crushed cars for Eddie Cole of Big Spring. In his last years before retirement he was shop foreman for J&S Electric and shuffled cars for Hertz Rental.

He met his soul mate and wife Shirley in Lubbock in 1974. They were married on June 9, 1978. He had a great love for the Lord and was an ordained deacon for Ranchland Heights Baptist Church for many years. Travis also taught the adult Sunday school class. The Lord always came first then his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the most important people in his life. He enjoyed spending time with them on his family outings. Hunting and fishing were also a favorite pass time.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley Hart of Midland, Texas; Six Children: Wesley Robert Hart and wife Patty of Mabank, Texas, Melissa Adams and husband Don of Big Spring, Texas, Vonda Kepple of Midland, Texas, Vetta Gamble of Odessa, Texas, Yelisa Smith and husband Paul of Brady, Texas and Jack Fennell of Midland, Texas; Three Brothers: Clifford Hart and wife Joetta of Big Spring, Texas, Cecil Hart and wife LaRue of Odessa, Texas, Carl Hart and wife Gwen of Big Spring, Texas; Three Sisters: Peggy Pachall and husband Jackie ( Lewis ) of Brownwood, Texas, Freida Chapman and husband Reverend Clydel of Odessa, Texas, Janie Beth Shiver and husband Howard of Big Spring, Texas; 22 Grandchildren and 18 Great-Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Travis is preceded in death by his parents: Arvin and Lillian Dovie Hart; his son: Terry Lee Hart who was married to Terri Lynn Boyett; two siblings: Betty Fern Van Allen and LaNelle Parks.

The family will receive friends 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2012, at Acres West Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 27, 2012, at College Baptist Church in Big Spring officiated by Pastor Carl Anderson and assisted by Pastor Lucian Rudd. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Coahoma City Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Acres West Funeral Chapel and condolences may be sent to the family online at acreswestfuneral.com.