Robert M Davis (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Robert Marion Davis, son of Roy and Goldie Lillard Davis, was born December 17, 1920, in Anthon, Iowa. He departed this life Wednesday, August 3, 2016, in Lebanon South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-five years, seven months, and eighteen days.
On March 9, 1953, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, he was united in marriage to Juanita Vasquez.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Juanita Holler, and Maxine Wood.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Juanita, of the home; three sons, Glen Davis, and his wife, Pam, of Cairo, Georgia, Richard Davis, of Osage Beach, Missouri, and Carl Davis, of Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Mary Stacy, of Lebanon, Missouri; two grandsons, Robert and James; five great-grandchildren, Ayla, Noah, Issac, Harrison, and Talton; two step-grandchildren, Sherrie and Donald; a number of step-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, including two special nieces, Nita Wolken and Ethel Wood; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Anthon, Iowa, and then went to live with his Uncle Lee Davis in eastern Laclede County following the deaths of his parents. Bob graduated from Stoutland High School in the Class of 1939. He entered the military as a young man and served his country faithfully in the United States Army during World War II. He was an Army Scout and obtained information concerning strength, disposition and probable intentions of enemy forces through reconnaissance in France, Belgium, Germany, Alaska, and the Aleutians. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he developed expertise in automated radar tracking, working with the ICBM and space tracking programs. He continued with his military career for thirty years, retiring on June 30, 1973. His numerous awards and decorations included two Bronze Stars, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, the European African Middle East Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation. Later, in 1973, he and Juanita retired to his family’s farm outside of Lebanon which was homesteaded by his ancestors in the 1870’s.
Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
He enjoyed caring for his farm and every aspect of farming. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball team. He possessed a quiet inner strength and a delightful sense of humor. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed sharing the old family stories with the younger generations.
Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a devoted family man, a dedicated American serviceman, and a good friend to many.
Memorial contributions made to the First United Methodist Church, may be left at the funeral home.
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