Travis Henry Columbus, 78, passed away on October 20th, 2016, in his Las Cruces residence, succumbing to cancer. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 27th, at 1:00 at the Terrazas Funeral Chapel, 100 Industrial Park, Santa Clara. Reverend Doug Cowan of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Las Cruces, will preside. A private burial service for family members will follow at the Silver City Masonic Cemetery. Mr. Columbus is survived by three children, Sandra G. Carter of Las Cruces, J. Travis Columbus II of Claremont, California, and Leslie E. Darling and husband William of Alexandria, Virginia; eight grandchildren, Cassie Columbus, Jordan Darling, Joshua Darling, Anthony Darling and wife Kelly, Kateba Gyles, Matthew Howard-Darling, Bryan Mares and wife Melissa, and Krystal Rowe; and seven great-grandchildren, Denalli Darling, Daemon Gyles, Laryssa Gyles, Travis Gyles, Secora Mares, Analysse Sierra, and Simon Sierra. Mr. Columbus was born on May 17th, 1938, in Hobbs, New Mexico, to J. Travis Columbus and Grace Belle Columbus. He is survived by two sisters, Sara Jo Anderson of Albuquerque and Jimmie L. Ruttan of Norris, Tennessee, and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 41 years, Rose Anne Columbus (1943–2002), sister Bonnie L. Hare (1923–2002), and brother Garland H. Williams (1921–1989). Mr. Columbus was a resident of Silver City from 1968 to 2014. Following a brief career as a welder, he attended Western New Mexico University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (1972) and two Master of Arts degrees (1975, Education; 1976, School Administration). In 1972 he joined Silver Consolidated Schools as a third-grade teacher at North Silver (now Jose Barrios) Elementary School. He transitioned to administration, serving as assistant principal of G.W. Stout Intermediate School from 1980 to 1985, then as principal of Harrison H. Schmitt Elementary School from 1985 until his retirement in 2000. His commitment to early childhood education continued post-retirement as a member of the Board of Directors, El Grito Head Start, Silver City (2003–2011). Mr. Columbus was a charter member and long-time parishioner of Bible Baptist Church, Silver City, and for many years he was a regular visitor and caring friend to many patients at Fort Bayard Medical Center. First and foremost, Mr. Columbus is remembered for his love of and devotion to God, family, friends, and students, for his outgoing, cheerful nature, and for being kind and encouraging, even to strangers. At times, he could be mischievous, and he loved telling jokes. It was a delight to receive one of the many cards and packages he faithfully sent to family and friends over the years. He was also known for his athleticism, as a student athlete at Amarillo High School, Texas, as a football player at the University of Oklahoma (1958–1959), and as a long-distance runner for most of his life, often seen running on the streets of Silver City. Mr. Columbus is lovingly remembered and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, church, and the Silver City community. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Teen Ministries, Cornerstone Baptist Church, 5301 Cortez Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88012 (575-532-0902, cornerstn.org). Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.