Travis Lee DeFreese, of Ruston, LA, passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020 following a long illness.
Travis was born August 4, 1931 in West Monroe, Louisiana and attended Claiborne and Crosley Grammar Schools. In 1950, he graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in Monroe, as part of the first class to complete 12 grades. When the new Ouachita Parish High School opened, he was one of ten representatives chosen to personify outstanding students from all the previous student bodies at Ouachita.
Mr. DeFreese received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University in 1954. While at Tech, he served as Student Body President, President of the sophomore, and Junior Classes, and also President of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Epsilon Gamma Chapter.
During this season that includes a pandemic, the Serendipity Sunday school class at Trinity United Methodist Church wanted to make local law enforcement personnel feel appreciated with gift bags including handwritten notes in Christmas cards.
The class put together gift bags for Reno County Sheriff s Department and the Hutchinson Police Department that include cards, blue-lined stress balls, and sweet and savory pre-packaged treats.
The members of the Serendipity Class decided they wanted to send gifts this year and encourage other members of the community to express their appreciation too. We felt it was important to show support for them. With the pandemic, it s even harder for them to stay safe, said Debra Esau, a member of the class.