Obituary of Travis John Huennekens

"Life is much like snow, It comes, then will go. It comes for a purpose, that is right, Only to make everything white. Life comes for a purpose, we don’t know, I doubt very much that it’s like the snow. If life does tire in the morning light, God gives rest in the darkest night." written by our son John Andrew Huennekens Travis John Huennekens, 81, of Vancouver, WA passed away on September 27, 2015 at Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, WA. A private graveside service was held on October 2, 2015 at Park Hill Cemetery,with long time friend Rev. Bill Zweigart officiating. Travis is survived by Marcella, his wife of 61 years, his son Michael (Roberta) of Brush Prairie, and daughter Roxanne (William) of Vancouver, his brother Delbert(Pearl) of Brush Prairie, his sister Nyla (Bob) of Sacramento,CA, as well as 4grandchildren (Michelle, John, Meredith, Suzanne), 8 great grandchildren (Amanda, Ashton, Alivia, Torin, Teagan, Elijah, Klaralyn, Lincoln) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son John Andrew December 11,1971, father Steven George Martin January 27, 1967, mother Lottie Gertrude July 11, 2010. Travis was born May 24,1934 in Crofton,Nebraska to Steve and Lottie Huennekens. He graduated from Renton High school in 1952,then went to work at Boeing as a machinist. He moved to Dufur,OR to help in his father’s business of painting houses and barns. Later,his father started coating roofs and dry kilns and Travis invented a special multihead airless spray gun,which proved extremely helpful. Travis started his own business and had a tanker truck specially built for roof and dry kiln coatings, branching out into Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Montana, Idaho and south west Canada. In the early 1980’s,he started a video production company, producing a variety of Bible Centered Christian Videos,Accredited Beginner New Testament Greek, Children’s Puppetry Bible lessons and several Abuse tapes used in schools. Travis was truly gifted by God. He could hear of a problem or a machine someone wanted built and he would come up with the solution or a drawing to build the machine or equipment. He also built several machines for his last business venture,turning logs up to 70 feet long to restore the old “Tall Ships” around the U.S.and Hawaii,and for “Haiku” houses that were built in the U.S. and the Orient. Travis joined The Gideons International in 1969 and became involved in the prison ministries sharing his story of salvation with many over the years. He was very active in The Gideons ministry and served in several official capacities,both locally and statewide. Travis loved reading and studying The Bible daily. He never mentioned a favorite Bible verse but underlined much of the scriptures. He was a gifted artist and enjoyed oil painting and charcoal drawing. His favorite song was “Jesus Loves Me”, he requested it many times in church. He enjoyed classical music and passed from this life into Glory while listening to George Gershwin. Please leave a condolence message, photo, thought or memory you may have of Travis. The family thanks you. Memorial Contributions may be made to: THE GIDEONS INTERNATIONAL Vancouver West Camp 4619.2 P.O. Box 6202 Vancouver, WA 98668 Ray Hickey Hospice House P.O. Box 1600 Vancouver, WA 98668 “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1