Travis S. Russell, 44, of Trinidad, CO, passed away March 1, 2016, while on duty as a Deputy for Las Animas County Sheriff’s Department. He served law enforcement with pride for more than 20 years. He was born in Quincy, IL, on June 1, 1971, to Bonnie L. Turner and Jimmie D. Russell, who preceded him in death.
Travis earned a BFA from Avila University of Kansas City, MO, before working in law enforcement. He married Meghan J. Harris on September 21, 1996 in Kansas City. They relocated to Las Animas County in June 2000, and Travis began work with the Sheriff’s Department, working in the Corrections Unit as an Assistant Shift Commander, Training Officer, and armed transport officer. He also served as a certified transport officer for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In November of 2002, Travis moved to the Colorado Department of Corrections, where he worked for two years while attending the police academy.
In 2004, Travis joined the Trinidad Police Department, earning a spot on the SWAT unit. In 2007, he returned to the Sheriff’s Department and was promoted to Sergeant and Field Training Officer in 2010. In 2012, the family relocated to Montrose, CO to accommodate a position held by his wife, and Travis worked as a Security Contractor for a division of the Department of Energy and as a Code Enforcement Officer for Cedaredge Police Department. The family returned to Trinidad in 2013 and Travis rejoined the Sheriff’s Department as a Supervisory Deputy Sheriff/Trainer/Student Resource Officer, a job he performed until his death.
Travis was a devoted husband and father, known for his witty sense of humor and playful spirit. His family was always his top priority.
He is survived by his wife Meghan, daughters Brenna (13) and Chloe (6) and son Evan (11), plus his brother Tim Russell and sister-in-law Adrianne Russell. His surviving family also includes his in-laws David E. and Susan A. Harris of Trinidad, CO, his aunt Reba and her husband Jerry Whiles, his brother-in-law Erik Harris and nephews Christian and Gavin Harris as well as numerous cousins.
Travis was cremated according to his wishes. His life will be celebrated on March 10, 2016. FUNERAL LOCATION HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE DONNELLY GYMNASIUM (Trinidad High School) in Trinidad, CO at 10:00 a.m.
Persons wishing to do so may make donations to the Travis Russell Memorial Fund, c/o Power Credit Union , 220 Pine Street, Trinidad, CO 81082.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
