Travis Daniel Edwards of Athens, Texas passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Tyler, Texas at the age of 39. He was born on May 22, 1986, to Jimmy Dale Edwards and Kathy LupPlace Edwards in Dallas, Texas.

As a youth, Travis attended Martins Mill School. After achieving his high school diploma, he attended the Universal Technical Institute alongside his older brother and became an A.S.C. Certified Mechanic. In 2008, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served as a Combat Medic with the 3rd Squadron, 7th Calvary Regiment during the Global War on Terrorism, learning the true meaning of duty, sacrifice, and service. After completing his military service, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science with Honors from the University of Texas at Tyler and a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Kansas. His career spanned from American manufacturing, economics education, and public policy research. Most recently, he was actively pursuing his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas’ 5th Congressional District. With a life shaped by service, scholarship, and sweat equity, he was ready to bring a grounded, authentic, and forward-thinking voice to Washington.

Travis was a life-long East Texan. He was devoted father, husband, son, brother, and uncle, who was focused on building a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He was a devout Christian and proud member of Athens Life Fellowship. Within the past year, he finished building his family home, which he designed and constructed along with his older brother. He enjoyed raising goats and chickens, developing and managing his family farm, and coaching youth sports.

He is preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Dale Edwards, and brother, Keith Edwards. He is also preceded in death by his grandparents, Myles and Hazel LupPlace, and James Leon and Jewel Lane Edwards.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Lindsey Van Dusen Edwards and their children, Zoey, Madelaine, and Myles all of Athens; his mother, Kathy Edwards of Athens; his sister Dorothy Edwards Welch (Eric) of Chandler; his brother JD Edwards (Danielle) of Athens; and his brother, Ethan Edwards (Kelsey) of Rockwall. Mother-in-law Betty Van Dusen and father-in-law Steve Van Dusen. He is survived by nieces, Tori Mobley, Taylor Welch, Tessa Welch, Xyler Thorn, Evelyn Edwards, Abigail Van Dusen; and one nephew, Benton Van Dusen. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Eric Van Dusen (Christina) of Wylie, brother-in-law, Will Van Dusen of Austin, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large host of friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Autry-Carroll Lehr in Athens, Texas from 5:00-7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Athens Life Fellowship at 1:30 PM with a viewing prior at 1:00 PM with Pastor David Jordan officiating. Interment will follow the service at Meredith Campground Cemetery in Athens, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be JD Edwards, Ethan Edwards, Tori Mobley, Bryan Justice, Lennie Hale, and Will Van Dusen. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Eric Van Dusen, Eric Welch, Steve Van Dusen, and Virgil Feinsod.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory to Travis to any of the following organizations: Zoey’s place (https://zoeysplace.org/) or Love in Action Henderson County Homeless Ministry (https://www.loveinactionhc.com/).

Known by his generous spirit, Travis continued his legacy by fulfilling a final selfless act as an organ donor. The family would also encourage you to register as an organ donor in Travis’s memory.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the kindness and support shown during his campaign and throughout this difficult time.