Major General (US Army Retired) Richard Thomas Travis - Obituary

ajor General (US Army Retired) Richard Thomas "Tom" Travis, 87, passed away on April 7, 2026, at his home with family by his side in Annapolis, Maryland. A military physician, revered veteran, family man, and spirited friend to many, Tom lived a life marked by service, leadership, and humor. Born on July 7, 1938, in Red Bank, New Jersey, Tom was the son of Madeline Robinson Travis and William Harrison Travis. He grew up alongside his brothers Willie, Jerry, and twin brother Tim, all of whom preceded him in death. Tom, his father, and brothers are all distinguished retired military veterans. From an early age, Tom demonstrated a keen intellect and a drive to serve others — qualities that would define his remarkable career. Tom gave a lifetime of recognized service to our country and community. Tom pursued higher education at Dartmouth College before earning his medical degree from Marquette University. He completed his internship at Letterman General Hospital, Presidio of San Fransico, California, and orthopedic surgical residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C. He also attended the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania — further testament to his dedication to strategic leadership in military medicine. These formative years laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to healing, valor, honor, and courage within the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Over the course of his three decades of military service, Tom rose through the ranks to become a Major General. He worked as the Airborne Brigade Surgeon, 1st US Cavalry Division, An Khe, Republic of Viet Nam, then General Orthopedic Surgeon, 12th Evacuation Hospital, Cu Chi, Republic of Vietnam. He served as the Corps Squad Surgeon (Varsity Team Physician), Orthopedic Service at the USAH, West Point, New York. His career also included pivotal roles such as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery in the Panama Canal Zone, and then as the Chief, Orthopedic Service/Orthopedic Residency Training Program at Madigan Army Medical Center; Commander of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (Director, Health Services 101st Airborne Division - Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Commander of the 121st Medical Evacuation Hospital in Korea; Deputy Commander for Army Medical Research and Development at Fort Detrick, Maryland; Commander of the 7th Medical Command in Germany; and ultimately Commander of the Army Medical Research and Development Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Throughout his career and into retirement, Tom was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his vibrant personality. He had an infectious sense of humor and delighted in sharing jokes, political commentary, and stories with those around him. Whether leading troops, hosting parties, socializing with friends, or sponsoring cadets and midshipmen, he brought warmth and wit to every interaction. Tom’s passions extended beyond medicine and military service. He loved cooking, grilling, sailing open waters with joy, reading widely across genres, and listening to music. These hobbies reflected his zest for life and appreciation for simple pleasures. In later years, Tom was an active member of the local community where he participated, offered support and not only assistance but wisdom drawn from decades of leadership experience. His humor and honesty made him a cherished presence among friends in need. Tom is survived by Patricia, his beloved wife of 30 years; his 2 1/2 year old Service Dog, Soldier; his daughters Trysh Travis (granddaughter Ruby Fenster-Travis), Jennifer Travis Lange (husband Chris; grandchildren Sarah, Charlotte, Noah, Wyatt, Zachary), and Amy Coppola (husband Chris; grandson Ben); his stepdaughter Michelle Freihofer Belcher (and grandchildren Michael, Christiana, and Chace). His legacy lives on through them — in their memories and stories shared around dinner tables or passed down through generations. A funeral service and burial with full Military Honors will be scheduled at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. May Tom Travis be remembered with gratitude by all who knew him — for his dedication to country and family alike. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to organizations that were deeply meaningful to him: West Point Association of Graduates, 698 Mills Rd, West Point, NY 10996 Donate Here and West Point Athletics,698 Mills Rd, West Point, NY 10996 Donate Here supporting the cadets and the Academy he cherished.