Herbert Charles Travenio was born February 28, 1933 to Napoleon Bonaparte and Mattie Bell Battle Travenio in Dallas, Texas. He was the brother of two sisters, Lucy and Shirley. He was known as “Tree” and “Herb” to many.
Herb attended Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, Artesia High School in Artesia, New Mexico, and Booker T. Washington High School in Dallas. He was always strong willed and shortly after high school and the passing of his mother, he immediately enlisted in the military. While training others, he began playing football with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot team that would play games against other major universities.
Herb met his loving wife and friend, whom he adored, Jewel Faye. They were united in holy matrimony on October 4, 1958. They loved having a house full of relatives around. They enjoyed traveling the world and filming their adventures together. “You only live once” was one of his favorite sayings.
During Herb’s time in the military, the MCRD often saw former college and even pro players, as they would play tightly contested games against other military teams as well. A handful of players would make their way to the pros after playing for the team.
Herb started with the Kansas City Chiefs, but was traded as a kicker for the San Diego Chargers. He was among one of first Black kickers in pro football playing for the Bolts in the AFL in 1964 and 1965 under Sid Gillman, who is a member of the Chargers Hall of Fame. He was an important trailblazer in the sport of football.
As a member of the Marines in early adulthood, Herb returned during the Vietnam War to help and train other troops. He is one of 29 NFL personnel who served in the military during the war. After retirement from his professional football career, he worked for American Airlines and later retired.
Herb passed away on March 23, 2024.
Herb was preceded in death by parents; Mattie Bell Battle and Napoleon B. Travenio, wife Jewel Faye Travenio, grandparents; Maggie and Erskin Adams, and sister Lucy Davis.
Herb is survived by his sister Shirley Todd (L.J.) of Dallas, TX, sisters-in-laws; Doris Louise Underwood, Flora Stance, and Catherine Jones of Grands Rapid, MI, numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members, and many helpful doctors, nurses, health aides, and friends.
