Obituary of Don Davis

Donald Wayne Davis. Donald's long, full life began on July 13, 1929, as the oldest of five children. He died on January 28, 2022, with family at his side. Always an Iowan, Don was born in the northern part of the state, in West Union. He spent most of his years in the Iowa City area. Don was predeceased by his lovely wife of nearly 50 years, Helen (Freeman), in 2012. He was also predeceased by his son, Donald Jr.; his parents, Derwood and Ruth (Anderson) Davis of Decorah, Iowa; his younger brothers, Bob and Gene; and two nephews, Craig and Glenn Davis. Don's survivors include his brother, Jerry (Fran); sister, Ruth Ann Fosmore (Ken); sister-in-law, Janice Davis; and eleven nephews and four nieces. Through Helen's two sons, Alan Miles (Karen) and Kurt Miles (Dixie), Don was a grandfather to six and a great-grandfather to ten. During the Korean War, Don proudly served in the Navy as a Seabee. He applied the skills he learned in the Navy to a long, successful career in road building, working many years as operational manager for Barker Brothers. Don retired from road building but continued to be highly productive as he helped to construct golf courses at several locations around the country. Although always a quiet man, Don was well-informed and enjoyed conversing intelligently about a wide variety of subjects. He had a shy demeanor but delighted in connecting with people and quickly made friends, whom he cherished. He recently resided at Windmill Manor Care Center, where many caregivers referred to him as "Grandpa Don." One caregiver described him as "the sweetest man ever." Don will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A gathering for family and friends to celebrate Don's life will be held 2 to 4 pm, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Online condolences can be sent to his family at www.gayandciha.com. There will be a committal service in the spring at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis with full military honors.