Dr. Travis Preston Lockhart

Travis Preston Lockhart, Ph.D, 82, of Morehead, passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2024. Travis was born on January 17, 1942, in Dallas, Texas. After a successful experience on his high school speech team, Travis decided he wanted to be an actor and studied Theatre at Baylor University with famed director, Paul Baker.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree, he continued his studies at the University of Minnesota where he earned his master’s degree. While in Minneapolis, he received the prestigious McKnight Fellowship at the renowned Guthrie Theatre. There he performed for several distinguished directors, including Douglas Campbell, Mel Shapiro and, most notably, Sir Tyrone Guthrie. Eventually, Travis returned to school, earning his Doctorate from the esteemed Theatre program at the University of Texas before becoming a theatre professor.

His first teaching post was at Buena Vista College in Iowa, before serving at East Carolina University in North Carolina. He came to Morehead State University in 1982 as the Director of the Theatre Program and, after falling in love with the people, never left. He retired in 2005 after thirty-seven years as an educator.  His students have gone on to incredibly successful careers in theatre, film, and television throughout the nation and world. While there are too many to name, they are his legacy and his proudest achievement.

 
While at Morehead State University, Travis earned the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1996 and the Distinguished Creative Productions Award in 2005. He was also a founding member of the Morehead Theatre Guild. Additionally, throughout his illustrious theatre career, Travis performed alongside well-known actors Gale Sondergaard, Michael Moriarty, Cornel Wilde, and Loni Anderson.

Travis was predeceased by father Lowell and mother Louella. He is survived by special caretaker Rita Johnson, special friends Cecil, Denise, and Hayden Watkins, Jack Whidden, and an extended family of students, on whom his impact was profound. 

Visitation will be held at Northcutt and Son Home for Funerals (400 Fraley Drive, Morehead) on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a funeral mass at Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church (309 Battson Avenue, Morehead) on Monday, November 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to one of the following organizations that Travis held close to his heart are suggested:    The Dr. Travis Lockhart Scholarship Endowment at Morehead State University. Created by Dr. Lockhart, this scholarship will support students studying theatre at MSU. Contributions can be made online at https://alumni.moreheadstate.edu/lockhart or they can be mailed to the Morehead State University Foundation, PO Box 628, Morehead, KY 40351 or

Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church, PO Box 307, Morehead, KY 40351 or

Gifts in memory of Dr. Lockhart in support of UK St. Claire HealthCare can be directed to the SND Eastern Kentucky Foundation at 425 Allen Avenue, Morehead, KY, 40351 or made online at www.st-claire.org/give

Interment will take place at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 is caring for arrangements for Dr. Travis Preston Lockhart.

View or sign online guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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