William Travis Hoots

December 14, 1979 - July 31, 2013

Sgt. William Travis Hoots, 33, of Roodhouse died July 31, 2013 after a long battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was born Dec. 14, 1979, the son of Lanny and Sue Taylor Hoots. He married the former Jamie Cox. Together they had one son, Jesse Michael Dalton. Both survive in Jacksonville. Surviving is his father, Lanny (companion, Sue Cotter) Hoots of Patterson; mother, Sue (husband, Chuck) Bush of White Hall; brother, Jesse Michael (companion, Crystal Reynolds) Hoots, and nephew, Eli Hoots all of Illiopolis; sister, Kelly (husband, Paul) Summers, nephew, Jeff Herder all of Roodhouse; aunt, Cheryl (husband, J.R.) Partlow of Southaven, Ms; and uncle, Michael (wife, Renee) Hoots of White Hall. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Lester and Mildred Hoots and one cousin, Dawn Merrill. Travis was a born leader, which was seen from his academic achievements in high school to his service in the United State Marine Corps. Travis loved his fellow Marines and from the beginning of his service embraced the brotherhood, always making himself available to others, no matter what. He moved through the Marine Corps rank structure quickly and was meritoriously promoted to Corporal, but didn’t stop there and was soon promoted to Sergeant. He was a squad leader in 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines Gulf Company. Travis served 2 combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and 2004, where he received several decorations including the Purple Heart, and a Marine Corps Achievement medal with a combat V. He possessed the ability to capture the strength and good in anyone which allowed them to achieve the impossible. He created many great memories with those close to him which will continue to grow his legacy. Travis will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the vast amount of people that were fortunate enough to know him. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Roodhouse First Baptist Church with interment in the Richwood Cemetery east of Roodhouse. Visitation will be held Sunday after 2:00 p.m. with the family meeting friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Daws Family Funeral Home in Roodhouse.