Travis Wayne Boeker

Travis Wayne Boeker, age 79, of Brenham, passed away Tuesday September 7, 2021 with his family by his side. He was born in Washington County on April 23, 1942, son of the late Newton Boeker and Selma Landgraf Boeker. He is survived by his spouse of 60 years, Shirley Wehmeyer Boeker.

Travis loved his Lord. He and Shirley are lifetime members of Grace Lutheran Church, where he was an Elder and proudly served on the usher team. He was also on the youth board for many years.

Popo adored and worshipped his grandchildren and his two loving daughters. He and Shirley never missed a school event, a sporting event, or a family get-together. He was always known in town for his hand shaking, hat tipping, and beautiful smile. He always had a kind word and plenty of time for visiting. He was the quintessential gentleman.

Travis has been a volunteer for the fair for about 60 years, beginning as Chairman of the Quarter Horse Show and Chairman of the Jr. Livestock Auction. He served as President in 1985 and 1986 and was presently serving on the Executive Committee. He also served as Chairman on various fair committees and boards throughout the state and has led area and state workshops. Travis also served as a speaker and on committees of the International Association.

As a Certified Fair Manager, he helped organize and taught the Texas Events and Leadership Program at Texas A&M. He was also a Certified Fair Manager at the Ft. Bend County Fair for 20 years while still volunteering at the Washington County Fair. His many years of experience led him to serve in all offices of the Texas Association of Fairs and Events where he served as President in 1986. He has been awarded the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas Association of Fairs and Events. Travis is also a life member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo by serving on various committees for the past three decades.

Travis is known for his love for the youth of Washington County. For years he has been dedicated to serving the youth and fair industry which celebrates our youth, our Texas heritage and deeply seeded agricultural roots. “The youth of yesterday are the volunteers of today, just as the volunteers of tomorrow are the youth of today.”

Travis’ loving family who survived him include daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Rusty Bush of Brenham; daughter and son-in-law, Lea and Ron Bartay of Brenham; grandchildren, Cody Hicks, Ellen Eberhardt, Jackson Bartay, Savannah Bartay and Travis Bartay; great grandchildren, Brody and Wesley Hicks; sister and brother-in-law, Janis and John Stayton; sister-in-law, Marjorie Schroeder; nieces, Sherri and Pamela Schroeder, Beth Stayton, and Ann and Rick Hammitt; and nephews, J.T. and Jay Stayton.

Travis is preceded in death by his parents, Newton and Selma Landgraf Boeker; parents-in-law, Alvin (Tiny) and Ella Wickel Wehmeyer; sister, Lois Ann Boeker; and brother-in-law, Wilbert Schroeder.

Pallbearers include: Cody Hicks, Jackson Bartay, Travis Bartay, Darrell Kankel, Donald Ray Ahrens, Mark Schwartz, Tommy Franke, Ronnie Holle, and Norris Wuensche.

Honorary pallbearers are: special granddaughters, Ellen Eberhardt and Savannah Bartay; and David Folschinsky, Karen and Andy Anderson, and Shawn McDuffie.

Special friends include: Billy and Susie Thaler, Alan and Linda Reid, Peggy and David Bartay and family, Valeria Bartay, Randa and Georgie and family, The Birthday Group, Board of Director’s Washington County Fair and Usher Team.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 10th from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 11th at 3 p.m. with burial to follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Memorials are requested to Grace Lutheran Church or Washington County Fair Association, Attn: Debbie.