It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Travis Lee Standley, a cherished son, brother and friend. Travis was born on August 7, 1972, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to loving parents Russell Standley and Elena Lerch (Standley). He departed this life on November 1, 2024, at the age of 52, due to heart complications.

Travis spent his formative years hunting deer and pheasants, enjoying adventures with friends and family. He developed a strong bond with his father as he learned the intricacies of driving trucks. His father worked as a truck driver for Tony’s Pizza during Travis’s childhood, which earned him the affectionate nickname “Little Tony.” This nickname reflected his close connection to the trucking world.

In 1983, the Standley family made a significant move from North Dakota to Eureka. It was in the picturesque surroundings of Eureka that Travis grew up alongside his brother Troy and sister Tanya. The three siblings were inseparable and were often lovingly referred to as the “Three T’s,” a testament to their close-knit relationship.

After graduating from Eureka High School in 1990, Travis immersed himself in the local community, taking on various jobs at Grocery Outlet, The Mill Yard, Palco, and eventually Bettendorf Trucking. Ultimately, he found his true calling as a truck driver for Del Reka Distributing, a job that brought him immense joy and fulfillment.

In 2001, destiny led Travis to meet the love of his life, Elizabeth Steele, at a dinner party hosted by his sister. Their connection blossomed into a beautiful relationship, culminating in their marriage in 2004. Together, they built a life in Eureka filled with shared experiences and mutual support, even after their separation in 2010. Despite parting ways, they remained close friends, underscoring the deep bond they shared.

Travis had a true passion for golfing and cherished the time spent on the greens with his brother-in-law Stacey, brother Troy, nephew AJ, and their weekend golf crew at Eureka Golf Course. Golf outings often turned into lively gatherings filled with laughter and camaraderie. He also enjoyed weekends watching his favorite team, the New England Patriots, going to the movies, and shopping with his sister, Tanya.

Family dinners on Sundays were a treasured tradition for Travis. When his dad and stepmom moved to North Dakota, a dear family friend, Tammy Slyvest, graciously stepped in to maintain this tradition. She not only kept the Sunday family dinners alive but also took the time to teach Travis cooking skills, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

Travis’s infectious smile, sharp humor, and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He had a unique talent for making friends easily, fostering deep connections that often turned into extended family. His warm spirit and loving nature will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Travis is survived by his father, Russell Standley (wife Liz Standley), mother Elena Lerch, brother Troy Standley, sister Tanya Lyons (husband Stacey and step-son Jerome Lyons), nephews Hector Godoy and Anthony Jackson, step-sister Jenny, step-brother Russell, and a very close family friend, Tammy Slyvest. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irving and Hannah Standley, and Melvin and Vivian Lerch.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to John and Jackie McBeth, Jennifer Perrone, the Del Reka family, Trevor at the Humboldt County Coroner’s office, and Ayers Cremation for their unwavering support during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Eureka Golf Club in memory of Travis Standley. A celebration of life will take place in the spring of 2025, allowing time for family out of the area to travel to Humboldt.

“Remember 2 Corinthians 5:8: to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”