Donald O. Davis

Donald Oscar Davis was born in Delafield in 1924. He passed peacefully at his daughter’s home on Dec. 11, 2014, and is now reunited with those he loved who went before him. One of 12 children of Elmer and Florence (nee Hood) Davis, he grew up on a farm that is now Western Hills Golf Course, and attended Zion school as a child. Don graduated from Waukesha High School in 1942, and thereafter signed up to enter the Army. While in school, he met and became friends with Kathryn Sayles.

After two years of training in the military, Don was sent overseas, and landed on Omaha Beach D-Day plus 8, June 14, 1944. As a sergeant, he spent the next year as a section leader of light machine gunners in the 121st Infantry, 8th Division, and participated in many battles throughout France, Luxembourg, and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge.

Don was an expert rifleman and also served with the Military Police. He was wounded in action twice.

When he returned home, he and Kathryn became reacquainted and eventually married in September of 1948. Don earned a certificate in home decorating from John Hale and Associates, and went on to become a lifelong house painter and wallpaper hanger. He also was adept at finish carpentry. In the ensuing years after the war, Don was active in the 440th Troop Carrier Wing as MSGT of the Air Police Squadron. During that time, he marched in many parades with the Army Color Guard.

As a youngster, Don pursued his interests in hunting and fishing. He learned to band birds while in high school, and was an avid hunter and an active member of the Sportsman’s Club in Waukesha for many years. Don also tended bar in Waukesha, notably at Rich’s Cambrian House and the Yellow Front most weekend nights. He was instrumental in teaching his great-granddaughter how to play cribbage, and his daughters rules of football. He was a lifelong Packers fan, and could relate plays from the Ice Bowl, which he attended.

Don was preceded by his parents, his former wife, Kathryn, and siblings Dorothy, Robert, Roger, Jean and Hazel. He is survived by his children Sue Powers of Waukesha, Don (Janice) Davis, Terri Davis, Jeri Davis-Hecht (Clint), Tom (Terry) Davis Bill and Jim Davis, all of Eureka, Calif.

He is further survived by grandchildren Rita, Renee, Stephanie, Margaret, Kelsey, Joseph, Kellen, and Breann; great-grandchild Danielle; and siblings Edgar, Nancy, Shirley, Barbara, Anna and Esther. He will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Private burial with military honors will be at the Tabernacle Cemetery in the Town of Delafield. There will be a celebration of Don’s life at the Eagles Club in Waukesha, 709 N. Grandview Blvd., on Dec. 21, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The family wishes to thank everyone at the VA, especially Julie Jensen, Drs. Alexanian and Santana, Nichole and Gina, Warren and the rest from Grace Hospice.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or please visit www.waukeshafunerals.com for directions or to leave the family a tribute message.