Travis Jon Thompson, 44, passed away March 14, 2015 at his home in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born December 3, 1970 in Plentywood, Montana to James and Suzanne (Arvig) Thompson. Travis grew up on a farm near Plentywood, graduating from Plentywood High School in 1989.
After high school, he worked on a ranch near Miles City, Montana before taking a job with Schmidt Harvesting of Kansas from 1991-1998, where he became a harvest crew leader. Each summer the crew worked from Texas through Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming, and up to Montana. Travis took a one year hiatus from farming during this time and lived with his brother in Arizona in 1994-1995 while working construction for Bowers Construction.
Following his days on the harvest crew, Travis resided in Kansas and worked for Schmidt Cattle Company in Sterling. There he tended a 500 head cow/calf operation, while maintaining and operating an extensive irrigation system and various types of farm equipment.
Travis began working for Arkdale Farms of Sterling in 2002, where he used his mechanical aptitude to maintain irrigation systems, tractors, combines, planters, and other equipment. During this time Travis branched into Pipeline construction and maintenance working for Rick's Dozer Service.
After over a year working for Sonoco Paper Mill starting in 2007, Travis began a career at Oneok, Inc. in 2008. He began as a pipeline operator learning gas pipeline maintenance, operations and inspection. In June of 2012 he was promoted to Pipeline Operations Lead and in December of 2014 was promoted to Supervisor of Pipeline Operations.
He enjoyed golfing, hunting, mountain biking, cooking, and gardening. He was a classic car enthusiast and was a savvy mechanic as well as a handyman who could fix most anything.
Travis was a humble, caring person who was known for helping others. He belonged to a worldwide group of Christians who meet in homes.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Gordon and Doris Thompson, grandfather John Arvig, and cousin Kayla Thompson.
Travis is survived by grandmother,Ruth Arvig, Minnesota, parents James and Suzanne Thompson; sister Tonya (Dan) Taylor and nieces Jacqueline and Julia Taylor; brother Troy (Lisa) Thompson, nephew Braden and niece Allison Thompson, all of Washington state; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Minnesota, Montana, and Washington.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the memorial book from 9AM to 9PM Friday at the funeral home.