Travis Jeffrey Anderson

Travis Jeffrey Anderson, at the age of 24, accepted his invitation into Heaven on Monday, August 24, 2026. A public Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:00 am at Johnson Funeral Home, 134 Missouri Ave S in Salem, OR.

Born on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 to Shawnette and Jeff Anderson at Newberg Hospital in Newberg, OR, Travis was then transferred to Saint Vincent Hospital in Portland where he spent 42 days in the NICU. Travis continued to be a bit of a medical mystery until 2025 when genetic testing finally revealed a rare diagnosis of Kabuki Syndrome Type 2 . Despite his rough start to life, Travis had the ability to make the best of every situation.

Throughout his childhood, Travis lived with his parents and brother, Nick Anderson in their family homes, first in Keizer, OR and then outside of Salem, OR. He attended Willamette ESD preschool before attending schools in the Salem-Keizer public school district including Bush and Lamb elementary schools, Leslie and Straub middle schools, and then graduating from McNary high school with a modified diploma. In adulthood, Travis continued to live at home with his parents in a space that had been specifically set up to meet his needs.

Travis enjoyed the simple things in life and had a cheerful disposition. He loved his family, caregivers and friends. He never knew a stranger, befriending everyone he met. Although he was non-verbal, Travis had a way of connecting with others and impacted people in many different ways. Other things that brought joy to his life were his toys with music, lights and movement, all different kinds of music including the piano, rocking, swinging, dancing, being outside, playing in water and going out into the community, especially to fairs and festivals with live music. In 2013, Travis was gifted with a wish by the Make a Wish foundation which included a trip to Give Kids the World in Florida. Travis really did live his best life!

Travis is survived by his parents, Shawnette and Jeff Anderson, brother, Nick Anderson, his paternal grandmother, Linda Anderson, as well as multiple aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dale Anderson, maternal grandmother, Ann Halliday, maternal grandfather, Larry Dunlap, uncle Daryl Anderson, aunt Erica Dunlap and his beloved cat, Frisky Fritz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to 4 Paws for Ability, at 207 Dayton Ave, Xenia, OH 45385. 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit that breeds, trains and places specialized service dogs for children and veterans with disabilities.