Donald Archiray Davis

Donald A. Davis born October 26, 1922 in Corvallis, Oregon to Ray E. and Sarah (Bostwick) Davis and died August 8, 2016 in Corvallis. Don was the 4th of nine children. He had brothers Cyrus, Ben, Ernie, Bob, Phil and sisters Wilma, Annetta, and Donna. Don grew up on the family farm. He graduated in 1940 from Philomath High School. He loved sports, especially football. He was on the team that won their first state championship in 1939 and still had the gold football. He met his future wife in high school. The courtship lasted 5 years and they were married August 26, 1943 at Preacher Woods home in Philomath. Her name is Eunice (May) Davis. Don was called to serve his country in 1944 so he enlisted in the Navy and served until the end of the war. When he returned from the Navy he went to work in the woods again as a timber faller and later drove log trucks. Don and Eunice, with help from the family, built their first home in Blodgett where they lived for 12 years. They bought a home in Alsea and lived there 7 years. In 1962 they found a 32 acre farm on the Alsea Highway near Philomath where they spent the next 42 years. The farm became too much work for them, so they moved to Corvallis in 2004. Dons’ family was his pride and joy. He was blessed with three daughters and one son to make their family complete. After Don retired in 1984 and Eunice in 1991, they purchased a motor home and traveled every summer. While the kids were growing up they did a lot of camping, fishing, and hunting. They loved following and supporting their kids in school sports and activities. Then came grand kids (nine) for them to enjoy also. Son is survived by his wire Eunice of 72 years; three daughters Karen Neisess, Connie and husband Jerry Bennett, RuthAnn Drake Ale of Philomath and son Donny and wife Billie of Alsea. Nine grand children; sixteen great grandchildren; and six great-great grand children. Don was preceded in death by his brothers Cyrus and Ben and sister Wilma. Surviving are Ernie and wife Gwen in Idaho, Bob and wife Kerma of Prineville, Phil and wife Dorothy of Monmouth, Annetta and husband Earl of Blodgett, and Donna and husband Jim Scarth of Oregon City. Services will take place on Saturday, August 13 at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, 815 NW Buchanan Ave, Corvallis. A visitation will begin at 1 pm; the funeral service will begin at 2, with a graveside service to follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens, Albany.

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Donald Archiray Davis

October 26, 1922 - August 8, 2016