Travis Lee Watts, 31, of Richland, passed away July 25, 2006 in Quincy, Washington. He was born December 20, 1974 in Shelton, Washington to Allen and Darlene Bishop Watts and has lived in the Tri-Cities area since 1978. He was a proud member of Ironworkers Local #14.

Travis Watts was an all American man whose life embodied all of what that means. One might even describe Travis as living two lives. At home Travis was a devoted husband and loving father who spent much of his free time with his wife and daughters. His other life was high steel with the brotherhood of iron workers. His pride in his work was surpassed only by his love for his family. Most people work to live but Travis seemed to live to work. From childhood he knew he was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps as an iron worker. Steeped in rich heritage and fierce friendships, high steel defined his character. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his Labrador Chester and most recently found joy in riding his Harley Davidson. If you didn't know Travis, you would peg him as the strong silent type. But those close to him would describe him as a playful prankster, often joking around with family and friends.

Travis was preceded in death by grandparents Russell Elmer Bishop and Jessie Wise Bishop. Survivors include his wife, Leah; daughters, Mikaylah and Chloe Watts; father, Allen Watts; mother, Darlene Grote; stepfather, Ward Grote; stepmother, Brenda Watts; brother, Tyler Watts; sister, Kimberly Watts Shank; brother-in-law, Darren Shank; grandmother, Joyce Watts; step-brother, Troy Grote; step-sister, Charity Neubarth; step-sister, Kristi Grote; aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 1, 2006 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Einan’s Funeral Home, Richland, Washington. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at Cathedral of Joy, 1153 Gage Blvd., Richland. Private committal services will be Sunset Memorial Gardens, Richland.

In lieu of flowers, a trust fund has been established at GESA Credit Union, PO Box 500, Richland, WA 99352 to benefit Mikaylah and Chloe Watts.