Erath 4th of July Celebration
1994 Grand Marshal Ethel and Travis Kendrick

 

            Ethel and Travis Kendrick, long-time citizens of Erath and supporters of Erath youth, have been selected to serve as grand marshals of this year’s Erath Fourth of July Parade. 

           “Mr. Travis,” as he is fondly called by many, was born and attended high school in Haynesville, La.  He was quarterback of the Haynesville state championship football team in 1936 and the 1939 Northwestern State University football team that was undefeated and untied.

         He is a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Air Force from 1942-1946.  He helped Bob Segura Sr. start the first football team at Erath High, as six man team.

       He retired from the Texaco Cycling Plant in 1975 with 31 years of service.  He is a member of AARP, the Erath American Legion Post, and the Erath Backers Club.

        The Kendrick’s met at Northwestern State University (then known as Louisiana State Normal College).  They have been married for 54 years.

        Mrs. Kendrick was born in New Orleans and graduated from Erath High School.  She earned a B.A. degree at USL and began teaching in 1944 at Erath High School.  She obtained her M.Ed. degree in 1965.  She has taught at every grade level, except second and third, in elementary school. 

        She began the high school girls’ physical education program under the administration of Henry Bernard Jr. in 1951.  She was privileged to coach some volleyball, softball, and basketball teams.

         She spent her last seven years in education as an elementary guidance counselor at Youngsville Elementary and Erath Elementary and retired in 1972.

        Mrs. Kendrick is a member of AARP, the National Retired Teachers Association, the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, the Vermilion Parish Retired Teachers Association – where she serves as treasurer, the Erath Backers Club, and serves on the Board of Directors of Bares Ranch.

        The Kendricks love and support the youth of Erath and are loved and respected by the whole community.  They are ardent Bobcat fans and have been described as having “Bobcat Blue” blood in their veins.

       They have a foster son, M.C. Trahan (married to Marilyn Melancon), and three grandchildren, Paul, Elise, and John Travis.