Travis Michael Nelson was born January 31, 1986, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, third of four children born to David and Tami Nelson. He grew up on the family ranch near Kyle and attended Interior Grade School. He attended high school in Wall before transferring to Bennett County. Travis received his GED from Oglala Lakota College where he excelled in math, so much so that he tutored his fellow students in math. During his early school years he participated in wrestling and basketball as well as a prominent member of the Red Water 4-H Club, winning Grand Champion in the Trail Class at the SD State 4-H Finals.

Travis spent his childhood with his many beloved cousins. Everyone was always together as Travis always made sure there was never a dull moment. No matter what “The Wild Bunch”, as they were so aptly named, was up to, Travis always had a smile on his face. He loved being outside especially on the ranch, showing horses, branding, sledding, building tree houses, miles upon miles of riding his bike. Ever the fearless showman, he never turned down a dare, he was always up to try anything just to prove he could. Even more impressive yet is how such a dare devil never broke any bones growing up. He always had a prank up his sleeve and was the true definition of a goofball.

Travis was a movie trivia guru and he had a special obsession with the movie Tremors. However, true to the same form as his Grandfather Al, he was always a ladies man. His pinnacle of that title came when he was just eight years old and asked Shania Twain to marry him in person and on stage. He loved music and was a self taught musician with a special love for his guitar and singing. Travis was a “Jack of all Trades” there was nothing he couldn’t build. He worked in many trades including construction, oil fields, cooking, carpentry, and his true love of asphalt paving. He was also handy at operating any machinery from garden tractors to earth movers.

In 2006 his greatest joy was born, Harmony Rose. He loved being a dad and was so proud of his daughter. On December 18, 2023, Travis married the love of his life Krystal, who he met in North Dakota years prior.

Survivors include his parents David and Tami of Kyle; his wife Krystal Nelson from California; his daughter Harmony Nelson of Quinn; his sister TR Nelson; his brother JR Nelson of Kyle; nieces and nephews Hannah, Riley and Nelson; great-niece Lydia; aunts, uncles; and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Travis was preceded in death by his brother Chad Nelson; paternal grandmother Beverly Harris; his maternal grandparents Al Goodman and Gary and Judy Day Sears; and his Uncles Michael “Butch” Vaughn and Tom Vaughn.

Funeral services will be held 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024 at the American Legion in Martin with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will follow at the Martin Community Cemetery.