Travis McElwain, also known as “Chief”, age 41, of Gillette, Wyoming passed away June 21st, 2022. Travis was born in Sturgis, SD to Kenneth McElwain and Sheela VanDamme. He was raised and educated there, and later moved to Lake Havasu, Arizona for a short time before relocating to Gillette. He attended Sage Valley Junior High and Campbell County High School, where he received his GED.
In 1998, he met Melissa Schirado and on January 8th, 1999 they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl named Jennifer. On March 6, 20076 they were blessed with another beautiful baby girl, Madison. On September 8, 2007, Travis and Melissa married , later divorced in 2020, but always remained close friends.
Travis worked for several years in the coal mines. He was a big Bronco and Harley Davidson fan. His passions included riding in derbies, riding motorcycles, spending time with his daughters and family, camping and barbeques. Everyone knows Travis was one hell of a cook!
Travis was proud to find out he was going to be a grandpa in October 2022 to a little boy, Axel Wayne.
Travis is survived by his ex-wife, Melissa; daughters, Jennifer Sams (Cole), Madison McElwain of Gillette, and Grandson Axel Wayne on the way; parents, Kenneth (Liberty) McElwain of Sturgis; Sheela VanDamme (Dale) of Gillette; step-mom, Dawn McElwain of Lake Havasu; Grandpa Fred Goff and Grandma Jeanette McElwain of Sturgis; brothers, John McElwain, Jerry (Sabrianna) VanDamme, Jonathon (Lois) VanDamme, Kyle (Tori) Morris – all of Gillette, Jason (Christina) McElwain of Pipestone, MN; sister Ashley McElwain of Gillette; numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and friends.
Travis is preceded in death by his Grandfather, Farrell Nightwine; Grandmother Pat Goff; Grandfather Lee McElwain; 3 Aunts, Lorna, Debbie, and Pam; and 2 Uncles, Frederick and Darrell.
A celebration of life will be held on July 9, 2022, from 4pm-7pm at the Moose Lodge of Gillette: 2704 Hackathorn Ln, 82716.
