LTC Travis Clonch

LTC Travis Richard Clonch, age 40, of Nolensville, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 19 years, Kim, and a proud and loving father to their three sons, Ryder, Holston, and Milo, who were the center of his world and his greatest joy. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Ken and Gladys Clonch, Travis was also a beloved brother to his sister Yvette Sanders (Bradley Sanders), and a fun-loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews. A 2003 graduate of Christian Academy of Louisville and a 2007 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he answered the call to serve with unwavering commitment. Travis was known for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and a warmth that could fill any room; if there was music playing, you could count on him not only to be nearby—but likely leading the fun.

As an aviation officer in the United States Army, Travis built a distinguished career marked by excellence, discipline, and deep care for those he led. From his earliest days in flight school at Fort Rucker, where he quickly stood out for his skill and precision in the TH-67 Creek helicopter, to graduating as the Distinguished Honor Graduate and selecting the AH-64D Apache, he consistently set the standard. He served with distinction in the 3rd ID Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where his talents as both an aviator and linguist placed him in critical liaison roles that directly contributed to saving lives. Later assignments at Fort Hood saw him excel in operational planning and command, leading soldiers and managing missions with both competence and humility. Those who served with him knew him as a leader who demanded excellence but never at the expense of compassion.

In addition to his accomplishments as an aviator and commander, Travis was selected for the Foreign Area Officer program, a path that reflected both his intellect and deep curiosity about the world. As a 48G (Middle East and North Africa specialist) FAO, he pursued a master’s degree in International Studies at Johns Hopkins University and went on to serve overseas in assignments that took him to Morocco and Italy. While in Morocco, he flew the C-12, combining his love of aviation with his gift for building relationships across cultures. He brought the same spirit of openness, humor, and generosity to every corner of his life, leaving a lasting impression on friends and colleagues around the world.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna (615) 459-3254