God blessed us with the wonderful gift of the life of Ernest Vontress Travis, born on March 22, 1937, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He was the beloved son of Mary Elizabeth Vontress and Sam Travis (both preceding him in death) and the oldest of two children, with his younger sister, Johnnie Belle Coates, also preceding him in death. At the age of seven, Ernest moved to Detroit, Michigan, to live with his Aunt Mimie Lee Gardnerand Uncle Willie Gardner. He was educated in the Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Miller High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He later attended and graduated from Wayne County Community College. Ernest accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in his early teens, being baptized at the Historic Second Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Army, serving honorably for four years and achieving the rank of E5. After his military service, Ernest married his high school sweetheart, Eldora Pasha. Together, they had two children, Cheryl and Eugenia. In 1961, Ernest joined the Detroit Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from Police Officer to Sergeant, and later to Lieutenant. He served in various roles, including the Tactical Mobile Unit (TMU), Special Operations, Police Athletic League, the Police Academy, and Communications Operations Section. After 35 years of dedicated service, he retired from the Detroit Police Department in January 1995. On July 27, 1985, Ernest married Diane Greer. He adopted Diane’s three children: Janet, Almondo, and Chitranjan. Tragically, Almondo preceded his Papa into eternal rest. Ernest and Diane celebrated 40 years of marital bliss earlier this year. In his later years, Ernest expressed gratitude for a life well-lived, stating, “he has had a wonderful long life.” He lived longer than both his mother and father and cherished his life, with only one concern: who would take care of his beloved wife, Diane, in his absence? Ernest leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Diane Greer-Travis; children Cheryl Travis, Eugenia McClain, Janet Coleman (Frank), and Chitranjan Greer-Travis; grandchildren Isa Thomas, Eugene Travis, Muhammad Jasper, Mark Mitchell, Ernest Jasper, Ayanna Jasper, and Kiera Carpenter; and great-grandchildren Muhammad ], Harmonie Travis, Jayden Jasper, and Bryce Jasper (Brycie-Bryce). Additionally, he is survived by two sisters-in-law, Delores Greer-Stevens and Betty Porter; brother-in-law Alonzo Greer Jr. (Yvonne); a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and referred to him as Uncle-Papa; and many longtime friends who were as close as brothers. Ernest Vontress Travis will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his faith, and his service to the community. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. Viewing & Visitation will be on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 12, 2025, at Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43604, with Rev Dr. Otis Gordon officiating. The Family Hour will also be on Friday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Military Honors will be performed by the U.S. Army Honor Guard. Burial will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48207. Arrangements entrusted to Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
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