Travis Merle Russell, age 80, of Cunningham, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Baptist Health Paducah, leaving behind a legacy rich in hard work, community involvement, and a passion for farming.
Known for his early academic ventures, attending college at 16, Travis remained a lifelong learner and enthusiast for fixing anything and everything. A true cowboy, Travis’ passion for horses and the rodeo was rivaled only by his love for farming. His leadership and community involvement were evident through his founding of the West Kentucky Appaloosa Horse Club and his dedicated service as the General Manager at Derksen Portable Buildings. Travis’ fierce independence meant he seldom sought help, yet he was always the first to offer it to others. Travis will be celebrated as a loving and devoted dad and husband, and will be remembered as a legacy pillar of strength and self-reliance to all who knew and loved him.
Travis is survived by his two daughters, Stephanie (Rew) Sloan of Franklin, Tennessee, and Amanda (Jeremy) Bartholomew of Milan, Tennessee; a son, Jason Russell, of Chapmansboro, Tennessee; three grandchildren, Hayden Claire Sloan, Gabrielle Bartholomew, and Owen Bartholomew.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life of 56 years, Georgia Anne Russell; a brother, Randall Long; and his parents, Amos Russell and Nellie Long.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell. Burial will follow at Sikeston Garden of Memories in Sikeston, Missouri.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.