Donald Davis' Obituary
Donald Ray Davis, son of Ray and Minnie O’Dell Davis, was born August 25, 1930, in Grovespring, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, January 11, 2010, in his home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-nine years, four months, and sixteen days. On February 24, 1951, he was united in marriage to Vivian C. Rogers, and to this union one daughter was born. His parents preceded him in death. Donald is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Vivian, of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Donica and David Basnett, of Beaumont, Texas; two grandchildren, Chase Basnett, currently serving in the United States Navy and stationed in Twenty-nine Palms, California, and Cherish Basnett, of Riverside, California; a brother, Darrell Davis, and his wife, Mardell, of Gladstone, Missouri; a sister, Doris Smith, of Odessa, Texas; a niece, Dinah Ragen, of Parkville, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in the Grovespring community and graduated from Niangua High School. As a young man he entered the United States Marine Corps and faithfully served his country from 1951 until 1953, during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he returned to the Lebanon area, where he and Vivian made their home and lovingly raised their daughter. Donald began working for Mid-America Dairy in Lebanon and continued there for several years. In 1969, he helped in the construction of Bill’s Farm and Home and began working there. Throughout the years, he eventually became the store manager before retiring in 1992. Donald also owned and operated a cattle farm, near Lebanon, and raised Limousin cattle. Donald was a charter member of Heritage Baptist Temple in Lebanon and was active in many areas of church work. He had served on the Lebanon City Council at one time. He enjoyed working on the farm and raising cattle. He was dedicated to the care of his mother-in-law for the past several years and was a devoted husband to Vivian. Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will remember him as a dedicated family man, a dependable, hard worker, a patriotic citizen, and a good friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday January 13, 2010 at the Heritage Baptist Temple. Burial in Mt. Rose Memorial Park. Visitation is Tuesday Evening 7-8:30 p.m.under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the New Tribes Missions. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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