Robert Edward Travis Jr., age 78 of Salem, passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Robert was born on December 24, 1945 in Salem, Illinois, the son of Robert Travis Sr. and Mary Geneva (Ward) Travis. He married Paula Dian (Friesner) Travis on August 4, 1969 in Salem, Illinois and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Paula Travis of Salem; two daughters, Lisa Jourdan and husband Rusty of Salem, Lana Schneider and husband Todd of Pocahontas, Illinois; six grandchildren, Taylor Grapperhaus and husband Cody, Kody Gray and wife Jessica, Travis Schneider and wife Miranda, Hunter Gray and wife Emilee, Steven Bishop, Samantha Bishop, and Rickey Brown; eight great grandchildren, Harper Leigh Bishop, Corley Rae Bishop, Finley Fae Brown, Hazel Grapperhaus, Nora Gray, Izzy Ella Brown, Grayson Gray, and Riley Schneider; and siblings, Joe Travis and wife Frankie of Salem, Sandra Kestner of Mascoutah, and Linda Venters of Carlyle. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Travis and Mary Williams; and a grandson, Brandon Gray. Robert honorably served his country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War. Robert retired as the Maintenance Supervisor at Schutt Sports in Salem. He was a ham radio operator, call sign N9WZN and a CB operator, call sign “Coolblue”. He loved electronics and playing golf. He was a jack of all trades and would try his hand at anything. There will be a memorial gathering at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a presentation of the flag at 6:00 p.m. by the Salem American Legion. Burial will take place at a later date at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Animal Shelter and will be received at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories can be made at www.CrouseFH.com.