Travis James "T.J." Thetford

Travis James “T.J.” Thetford, 65, of San Angelo went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 in Robert Lee, TX. Travis grew up in San Angelo attending Central High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War. He married Vonda Hutchins on April 7, 1973 and they shared 43 wonderful years together. Travis worked as an auto mechanic all of his life at his family’s Shell Station on the corner of Bryant and 19th Street. His family owned business was opened 7 days a week and on holidays to serve everyone in the community. Travis was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather who devoted his life to his family. When his sons were young he coached their teams in football and soccer. His passion was drag racing and building race cars on the weekends. He loved racing in Wall and Abilene. Travis also enjoyed raising miniature cows, horses and donkeys on his land and raising his own beef and chickens, as well as growing his own vegetables. He was always hard working and would go out of his way for anyone who needed him. Travis also had a very dry wit that people loved. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Association local Chapter #457 in San Angelo. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Travis was preceded in death by his step-mother Velma Thetford. He is survived by his wife, Vonda Thetford, of San Angelo; his daughter Tammi King and her husband Phillip, of Abilene; his Sons, Shane Thetford and his wife Leighanna, of San Angelo, and Joe Don Thetford and his wife Tori, of Corpus Christi; his Father, Clifford James “CJ” Thetford, of San Angelo; his Grandchildren, Taylor and Liz Thetford, of Houston, Kristin and Jesus Coronado, of San Angelo, Whitney Thetford, Shelby Thetford, Jordan King, William Stephens and Tradon Thetford, all of San Angelo; one Great Grandchild, Kyle Coronado, of San Angelo; 2 Brothers, Joe Dale Thetford, of San Angelo and Mac Slade Williamson, of Fort Worth, TX; 3 Sisters, Margie Thetford, of San Angelo, Teriza Bourland and her husband Mike, of Clarksville, TN., and Kitty Blanton and her husband Steve, of Peoria, IL; his Mother and Father-in Law, Peggy and Dan Blackwell, of Coleman; and Father-in-law, Joe Stracener, of San Angelo; and numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and close friends. The Family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Friday, August 19, 2016 at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Harper Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers for the service will be Tom Bright, Amado Molina, Maynard Schwertner, Armando Vasquez, Stephen Bright and Jason Bright. Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book for T.J. at www.harper-funeralhome.com.