Obituary for Travis C. Polk
Travis C. Polk, 84, died Friday, August 5, 2022, in Garden City, Kansas. He was born July 17, 1938, in Winters, Texas, the son of Talley Clifford “T.C.” and Pearl (Low) Polk.
Travis grew up in Denver City, Texas and Post, Texas. He graduated from Post High School in 1956. While in high school, Travis participated in various sports, but excelled in football and basketball. While living in Post, Travis began working for Simmons Machine & Pump. On October 4, 1958, he married Carolynn Ann Hudman in Post, Texas. In 1969, they moved to Garden City, Kansas where they have lived since. Travis continued to work for Simmons Machine & Pump where he later became owner and operator. After retirement in late 2008, he remained a consultant to the business for 10 years.
Travis was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City, a lifetime member of the Kansas Ground Water Association where he once served as president and was awarded the “Hard Hat” by the KGWA. He was also a member of Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo where he served as past president. He enjoyed spending his time woodworking, music, various types of art, and he enjoyed writing where he eventually wrote a book.
Survivors include two daughters Shelley & husband Barry Brown of Salado, Texas and Susan & husband John Soukup of Holcomb, Kansas; a daughter-in-law Marla Polk of Abilene, Texas; seven grandchildren Justin (Kara) Polk, Cayce (Kelsey) Brown, Amber Brown, Wesley (Maddie) Polk, Ryli Soukup, Kynzi Soukup, & Brody Soukup; three great grandchildren Emma Grace Brown, Rachel Bria Polk, & Ezra Randel Polk; and three brothers Ronnie Polk of Indianapolis, Indiana, Glenn Polk of Lubbock, Texas, and Chip Polk of Ransom Canyon, Texas. Travis is preceded in death by his wife and high school sweetheart Carolynn for 63 ½ years before she passed away on April 6, 2021. He is also preceded in death by his parents; a son Randy Polk; and a sister Janet LaRue.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City with Rev. John Harms and Rev. Randy Caddell officiating. The service may also be viewed on Facebook Live on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials given to First Southern Baptist Church, the Ragtown Gospel Theatre, or Palm House all in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.
Travis grew up in Denver City, Texas and Post, Texas. He graduated from Post High School in 1956. While in high school, Travis participated in various sports, but excelled in football and basketball. While living in Post, Travis began working for Simmons Machine & Pump. On October 4, 1958, he married Carolynn Ann Hudman in Post, Texas. In 1969, they moved to Garden City, Kansas where they have lived since. Travis continued to work for Simmons Machine & Pump where he later became owner and operator. After retirement in late 2008, he remained a consultant to the business for 10 years.
Travis was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City, a lifetime member of the Kansas Ground Water Association where he once served as president and was awarded the “Hard Hat” by the KGWA. He was also a member of Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo where he served as past president. He enjoyed spending his time woodworking, music, various types of art, and he enjoyed writing where he eventually wrote a book.
Survivors include two daughters Shelley & husband Barry Brown of Salado, Texas and Susan & husband John Soukup of Holcomb, Kansas; a daughter-in-law Marla Polk of Abilene, Texas; seven grandchildren Justin (Kara) Polk, Cayce (Kelsey) Brown, Amber Brown, Wesley (Maddie) Polk, Ryli Soukup, Kynzi Soukup, & Brody Soukup; three great grandchildren Emma Grace Brown, Rachel Bria Polk, & Ezra Randel Polk; and three brothers Ronnie Polk of Indianapolis, Indiana, Glenn Polk of Lubbock, Texas, and Chip Polk of Ransom Canyon, Texas. Travis is preceded in death by his wife and high school sweetheart Carolynn for 63 ½ years before she passed away on April 6, 2021. He is also preceded in death by his parents; a son Randy Polk; and a sister Janet LaRue.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City with Rev. John Harms and Rev. Randy Caddell officiating. The service may also be viewed on Facebook Live on the Garnand Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials given to First Southern Baptist Church, the Ragtown Gospel Theatre, or Palm House all in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.