Admiral Travers, an Illinois native, served aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific during World War II. He received his commission in the late 1940s and eventually rose to command a submarine and a submarine division. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland and Industrial College of the Armed Forces and received a master's degree in business administration from George Washington University.

He served in Vietnam and as Navy Comptroller before becoming Vice Chief of Naval Materiel in 1980. After retiring from active duty, he served on the board of the United Service Automobile Association, including years as treasurer and vice chairman. From 1984 to 1994, he was president and chief executive officer of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Admiral Travers's Navy decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, three awards of the Legion of Merit and the Navy Commendation Medal. He was a member of the Retired Officers Association and the Naval Submarine League.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, the former Marjorie Bingaman of Richmond; three sons, Ronald, of Short Pump, Virginia, John, of Charlotte Hall, and Edward Jr., of Richmond; two brothers; two sisters; five grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.