Lawrence "Lester" Davis (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lawrence “Lester” Davis was born July 9, 1956 in Springfield, Missouri, to Norman Davis and Doris F. Barker Davis. He passed away Tuesday, March 26, 2024 in his home in Nixa, Missouri and the age of sixty-seven years, eight months and seventeen days.
Lester, as he was known by family and friends, was raised in the Rader Community and was a 1975 graduate of Conway High School. He wanted to become a preacher in the Baptist faith, but would join the workforce instead with M.F.A. Following his employment there, he began his career at General Electric (G.E.), which later became Regal Beloit in Springfield. His career spanned thirty-eight years before his retirement. He made many friends at Regal Beloit and was a mentor to many in his department.
During this time, he married Kelly and in their twenty-five years of marriage would raise two daughters, Brook and Sarah.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Larry, Lee, Lowell, Lynn and baby Leon Davis; and two sisters, Helen Massey and Faye Vestal.
He is survived by two daughters, Brook Davis and her husband Paul Neal of Nixa, Missouri and Sarah Davis of Ash Grove, Missouri; two precious grandchildren, Cody Dykes, Jr. and Oaklynn Dykes; his sister, Sue Williams and her husband Howard of Grovespring, Missouri; his brother, Lloyd Davis and his wife Bonnie of Niangua, Missouri; other relatives and many, many friends.
Lester was a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and was very excited to watch them win back-to-back Super Bowl games. He also enjoyed building bird and bat houses and many times giving some away to family and friends. He loved telling stories to anyone who would listen and was a great story teller.
He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, traveling, collecting rocks and Hot Wheels. He loved woodworking and created many beautiful pieces of furniture.
Following retirement, Lester’s strength and perseverance shone when he became a double amputee. His daughters, grandchildren, friends and family rejoiced in watching him learn to walk, not just once, but twice.
We celebrate the life of Lester, recounting stories, jokes, laughs and the joy he spread in our lives and in our hearts as well. He was a kind soul and wanted to be remembered for his love, curiosity, laugh and joyful attitude. His grandson, Cody Dykes, Jr., would like everyone to know; “He was the best Papa in the world”.
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