Francis "Gene" Davis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Francis Eugene Davis, 81, died at Urbandale Health Center on January 25, 2016. He was born on October 1, 1934, in Cedar Twp., Monroe County, Iowa, to Gerald Kent and Lois Lucille (Kelly) Davis. After graduation from Attica High School, Eugene married Carolyn Louise Noftsger on May 8, 1954. Their love was strong and true and to this union was three children, Margaret, Paul, and Dale. Carolyn died from cancer. Gene later married Beverly Jean O’Brien on October 3, 1992, and welcomed three step-daughters, Marilynn, Sherrie, and Joan. Eugene was raised around Attica and Columbia area and was a member of the Columbia Methodist Church where he was baptized. He was a member of the Marion County Farm Bureau and Farmer’s Co-op. From childhood, farming and the outdoors was his passion. He loved caring for his hogs and cattle. He treasured time spent with the families. He enjoyed the fellowship of his relatives, friends and neighbors. Gospel, Bluegrass, and Country music was his greatest loved amusement. Traveling and camping were his favorite entertainment. He acquired many special camping friends. Gene’s greatest joys in life was time spent with his grandchildren. He loved them with all his heart. Gene and Bev had their share of mountains and valleys, but their love for one another held them together through it all. Everyone will miss Gene, but his spirit will live on in everyone who knew him. Eugene is survived by his wife, Beverly, children: Margaret (Steve) Smith, Paul (Terri) Davis, and Dale (Steffanie) Davis; step-daughters: Marilynn (Bernie) Avitt, Sherrie (Jim) Reed, and Joan (Bill) Preston; Sisters: Estelene McCorkle and Carolyn (Jerry) Witt. Grandchildren: Austin (Michelle) Bonnema, Aaron (Katie) Bonnema, Gerritt Davis, Trent Davis, Skip (Missy) Reed, Mike Reed, Bryan (Kim) Avitt, Greg (Laura) Avitt, Ashley (Jon) Allen, Kali Davis (Andrea Schubert), Maddie Preston, Ashley Preston, Steve (Bonnie) Rankin, Danny (Krystal) Rankin, Andy (Stacie) Dunkin, Daniel (Kisha) Smith, Mike (Aubrey) Salz, Tom (Rachel) Salz, Chelse (Nick) Carpenter, Adam (Amber) Reis, Tyrone Shivers and Devante Shivers. Great-grandchildren: Lucy & Tessa Bonnema, Caleb & Connor Bonnema, Chayse, Carson, and Cayne Reed, Mikayla & Cade Reed, Jacob Avitt, Grace & Ben Avitt, Brooke, Trenton, & Oliver Allen, Gaige & Carson Rankin, Laci & Ella Rankin, Emma, Hannah & Addison Dunkin, Aria & Everett Smith and Autumn Salz; great-great grandchildren: Alex, Emily, and Karlie Carpenter and Karmelia Reis. He is preceded by his parents, first wife Carolyn, sister Zola Mae Davis, brother Wayne Davis, and brother-in-law Bob McCorkle. In Loving Memory of Francis Eugene “Gene” Davis October 1, 1934 - January 25, 2016 Visitation 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 30, 2016 Bybee & Davis Funeral Home - Knoxville, Iowa Funeral 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 30, 2016 Bybee & Davis Funeral Home - Knoxville, Iowa Officiating Pastor Brent Hanna Special Music Fallen Leaves The Great Speckled Bird One Day at a Time How Great Thou Art Casket Bearers Austin Bonnema Gerritt Davis Skip Reed Aaron Bonnema Trent Davis Mike Reed Bryan Avitt Greg Avitt Interment Gullion Cemetery Attica, Iowa Following the burial, the family invites all to meet at Christ’s Church (behind Farm & Home here in Knoxville) for fellowship and a luncheon.