Travis Guest

Travis Byars Guest

20 April 1940 - 25 May 2024

Travis Byars Guest was born on April 20, 1940, in Mullins, South Carolina, to Phodia Mythel Weatherford and William Major Guest. He passed away on May 25, 2024 as his sweetheart. Lenore, heard his last breath.

He grew up on a farm with siblings Marjorie, Gerald, and Gwendolyn and graduated from Hartsville High School in 1958. From 1960-1962, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in London, England, followed by a memorable tour of Europe with his father. If you knew him, these were some of his favorite stories.

He talked about picking a tomato to eat on his way to the barns to milk the cows early each morning. There were many animals to feed, large crops, and he learned to operate tractors and other heavy equipment when a young boy. He was very strong from hard work.

Travis was musically gifted, the only male allowed to attend Coker College when it was an all-female school. Everyone loved to hear his resonant baritone voice. He had a deep appreciation for music, which often profoundly moved him to tears.

After his mission, the family moved west, and Travis settled in Los Angeles, California, attending Cleveland Chiropractic College and working for Rapid Blueprint. He shared a studio apartment with two South Carolina friends, all riding motorcycles.

In Los Angeles, he met the love of his life, Lenore, when she moved in next-door. Their romantic story began when she locked her keys in her apartment and met Travis by chance at the apartment manager's office and she had to stop avoiding him. He was certain God's intervention helped him win her heart. They shared a lifetime of love and adventure.

Travis had diverse interests and talents. He was a winning race car driver and even raced a NASA rocket-propelled go-kart. He earned two doctorates graduating from Cleveland Chiropractic College, but never practiced. He and Lenore built four successful businesses and provided jobs to many friends and loved ones. Travis also trained with the LAPD, worked as a private detective and bounty hunter, bringing many to justice and making southern California a safer place. He later found success in real estate before returning to operating engineers; a skill his father taught him on the farm.

He and Lenore founded Spirit Transport, and among many assignments were honored to haul the structural steel for Denver's Mile High Stadium. Even after a cancer surgery led to forced retirement, Travis remained a dedicated grandfather, proud of his grandchildren's talents. He loved hearing of their adventures, accomplishments, and the strong personalities of his great-grandchildren. He celebrated each one.

Friends and family marveled at his physical and mental strength, with talents to accomplish anything he put his mind to. He humbly deferred the attention complimenting each of his siblings, parents, or wife. He was wise and funny. He was a gifted teacher and storyteller. He enjoyed studying health and religion. His books were some of his greatest treasures. His favorite scripture was Moses 1:31-33 He marveled at the power of the Lord, Jesus Christ "by the power of my word." and testified of Him to the very end.

Travis is survived by his wife Lenore; son Wm. Travis Guest (Melissa); daughter Nannette J. Guest-Watts (Barry); daughter-in-law Monica Clements-Guest; 17 grandchildren; 8.5 great-grandchildren, and beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher D. Guest; his parents; siblings Marjorie Frances Guest Javadi, Gerald D. Guest, and Gwendolyn L. Guest Moffett.

We were blessed to call him Sweetheart, Daddy, Pop, Grandaddy, Uncle, Brother, Neighbor, Friend. His word was his bond and he took that seriously. We could count on him. He was the hardest worker on the job and the most skilled. He loved Lenore, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews with his whole soul. He loved his children's friends as his own and tenderly asked about them by name. He was a southern gentleman, as his mother taught him to be. Even when his health kept him in his chair most of the time, he always offered to get others a drink of water. He was a magnificent man who led an exciting life. Relationships were most important to him, even more than his books. Though he was happy to be a hermit, he loved visiting and good conversation even more. He loved telling stories and making the children laugh. We will miss our charming, gifted southern gentleman. "Just say a kind word."

Funeral Services and Celebration of Life will be held on

June 8, 2024

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

327 Long Dr, Alpine, UT 84004

9:45-10:45 AM Viewing

11:00 AM Service

https://zoom.us/j/96346122089

Funeral arrangements offered by Anderson Mortuary.