Travis L. Howenstine, the baby boy and third child born to Steven and Karen Howenstine-Darland will be missed dearly by all.

Travis was a precocious little guy who had an answer for everyone.  To say he was witty, only touches the surface as to just how quick he was at a very early age.

Unfortunately, his wit didn’t always fare well with Mom and Dad, we often had to turn our heads to hide our laughter. Travis loved puzzles as a young boy, he loved a challenge, which he carried throughout his life.

Living on Loon Lake for 17 years afforded Travis, and his older siblings, (Molly) and (Trevor) a childhood that only “Lake Kids” can relate. They lived like they were on vacation everyday of the week. Travis especially liked to rake the shoreline for turtles, he used the catch and release motto, and he knew everyone by its correct species. He did however, like to chase some of the neighbor kids with snappers before he released them back into the lake. Travis was an ornery little “fart”.  Once at the age of eight, he got kicked off the school bus for a week, he had to use his allowance to pay for gas money. While running late one morning (to Etna Troy) Mom was driving fast, he leaned over and asked “how fast are we going?” Mom answered, “don’t you worry about how fast we are going” He answered “I am worried, that’s my gas you’re wasting” (turn head and laugh).

As Travis got older he spent his summers swimming and water skiing with his siblings and other “Lake Kids” (you know who you are), and occasionally detasseling corn and baling hay for area farmers.

Travis was hilarious and very loving in addition to his quick wit. He would do anything for anyone in need. Unfortunately, or fortunately, he never married, nor did he have any children. He counted his blessings by the many friends he cultivated throughout his very short lifetime. He was a God fearing man, and loved by many.

Travis attended Etna-Troy School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1993. He was in Cub Scouts and had played on the CCJHS football team. He had worked for Craftline Printing, Maple Leaf Farms, Kendall & Davis, Inc., Fort Wayne, and for Trevor’s company, Knack & Tumbler Search, LLC in Naples, Fla.

When tested in School, Travis’ intelligence was off the charts. ADHD plays a big role in that area, his mind was going 100 mph at all times.  This does not always ensure good choices in life. Like the song, “My Way” is how he lived his life. (His Way)

He will continue to live in the hearts of all who will deeply miss him, and he will be remembered for his humor and loving ways toward family and friends.

Survivors include his mother: Karen (Dennis) Howenstine-Darland, Churubusco; father: Steven (Julie) Howenstine, Fort Wayne; sister: Molly (Robert) Moore, Clayton, N.C.; brother: Trevor (Mary) Howenstine, Naples, Fla.; nieces: Olivia Moore; Brookelyn; and Tasha Howenstine; nephews: Reece Moore; and Talen Howenstine; a great-nephew: Zander Howenstine; several aunts; uncles; and cousins; and his beloved pitbull: Bubs. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ernest and Barbara Kennell; and James and Betty Howenstine; uncle: Richard Howenstine; an infant nephew: Robert Moore; and his pitbull: Lucky.

A visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society of Whitley County or Humane Society of Allen County.