Travis Wesley Beeson

A candlelight vigil was held last Sunday to celebrate the life of Travis Wesley Beeson, 20, who was tragically taken too early from this world on Friday, May 27. Travis entered this life on September 19, 2001, in Tucson, AZ. His family soon moved to Midland, TX where he spent his early years before moving to Cortez his eighth-grade year.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Virginia Beeson of Hobbs, NM and his maternal grandmother, Helen Vaughn of Tucson, AZ. Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Barbara and Mark Beeson of Dolores, CO, brother Ryan of San Marcos, TX, paternal grandfather, Wayne Beeson of Hobbs, NM, maternal grandfather Tom Vaughn of Tucson, AZ several aunts and uncles, Nick Vaughn (Ola) of Kansas City, KS, Larry Beeson (Claire) of Charlottesville, VA, Pam Tabor (Cas) of Carlsbad, NM, Penny Norris (Bubba) of Hobbs, NM and cousins Hailie and Conner Vaughn, Nikki Salameh, Kyle, Kiera and Sean Tabor, Derek and Bruce Norris. Travis also leaves behind many close friends who were like family to him.
Travis graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School in 2020. He was a member of the varsity basketball team and was a phenomenal catcher wearing #2 for the Cortez Panther baseball team. Travis was employed by Safeway as manager of online services. He was loved by his co-workers and his many customers.
Memorial services will be held at Evangel Assembly of God Church, 209 W. Fifth in Cortez on Saturday, June 4 at 11:00. Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home.
Travis was the backbone of any baseball team he played with. He was the catcher who always rallied the team with his enthusiasm and competitive spirit. Travis was a great mentor to the younger players on the team. He always had an encouraging word (or rap!) to motivate them to do their best. His winning attitude served the team well and was demonstrated when his teammates designated home plate as “Beeson’s Plate.”
Travis loved the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Many great times were spent fishing at his uncle’s pond in Missouri and on lakes here with family and friends. He also loved to hunt quail on traditional Thanksgiving hunts with family in New Mexico. He was a proficient marksman.
He loved camping with his family and buddies in the Colorado mountains. Many fun days were spent off-roading or riding dirt bikes in Montrose, Phil’s World or Farmington, NM. Travis and his friends often gathered at his home to grill and eat steaks and just hang out.
Memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Travis will be remembered as a loving son and brother, a fun-loving loyal friend, and an unselfish thoughtful person who loved others. Babe Ruth once said, “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Travis wasn’t afraid to play the game of life, and because of his act of organ donation, he gave the gift of life to others.