John Edward Travers

John Edward Travers John Edward Travers, 85, passed away at his home in Annapolis, Maryland, on June 29th. A World War II veteran, Mr. Travers was a retired civil engineer, an Honorary Doctor of International Relations, a Toastmaster, and a life member of the VFW. Born June 27, 1922, in Indian Head, Maryland, he was the eldest son of seven children born to Joseph and Hannah Travers. After graduating from Pomonkey High School in 1940, he attended the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (Princess Anne). Midway into his sophomore year he was drafted into the US Army. During World War II, he served in the mechanized cavalry in Algeria, Italy and the Philippines. He was awarded medals for his participation in the taking of Rome and the Philippine Liberation. At the end of the war, he served in the U.S. military occupation of Japan. Honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, he remained in Japan until 1987 as a civilian employee with his longest posting as a civil engineer at Misawa Air Force Base. He spoke Japanese fluently and used his language skills for his work and promoted intercultural exchanges. Active in the VFW, Mr. Travers served as the first African-American Department Commander of the Pacific Areas, 1970-71. He was active on the National Security, Foreign Affairs and “Voice of Democracy” committees. Among his many interests and hobbies, Mr. Travers was skilled in carpentry and enjoyed handcrafting gifts. His expansive record collection reflected his appreciation of music, and he was an avid sports fan. In addition to his wife, Chiya Travers, surviving him are his three daughters, Cecelia Roudiez of Annapolis, Theresa Carney of Pennsylvania, and Tessa Travers of Hawaii; six grandchildren; and his sister, Louise Thompson of Marbury, Maryland. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409 on Monday, July 9, 2007 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be mailed to: VFW National Headquarters, 406 W 34th Street, Attention: Foundation Department, Kansas City, MO 64111 and please write Voice of Democracy Scholarship in memo. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Cremation and Funeral Care, P.A., Annapolis, MD.

John Edward Travers

June 29, 2007