Richard Lee Davis, age 96, of Oakland, Oregon formerly from Helena passed away in Oakland, Oregon March 3, 2014. Richard Lee Davis was born on the family farm near Crofton, NE to Walter and Emma (Garnjobst) Davis on February 10, 1918. Richard was united in marriage to Mary Avery on Dec. 21, 1941. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corp on May 16, 1942. He participated in the North African and Italy campaigns as part of the ground crew of the 15th AAF P-51 Mustang Group. His fighter group was the first successful fighter group to fly the historic Italy to Russia shuttle mission. He was honorably discharged after his distinguished service in the Mediterranean Theatre at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin in August 28, 1945.
Richard returned home to Mary and their son Richard Jr. where they resided in Yankton until 1950, then moved to Sioux Falls, SD until 1955. They then moved to a farm near Beaver Creek, MN where they raised their family of 5 children. They moved to East Helena in 1983. Mary preceded him in death on Nov. 30, 2009. Richard passed away on March 3, 2014 at the age of 96 years.
Richard was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek, and later in Helena. While running the family farm, he also worked at John Morrell and Co. for 25 years. Richard and Mary raised Quarter Horses, and later raised Miniature Horses, that they showed up until the mid 2000’s. He also enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors.
Richard is lovingly remembered by his five children, Richard, Jr. (LuAnn) of Rockford, IL, William (Robby) of Hobson, MT, Susan McAnally (Larry) of East Helena, MT, Nancy Stutz (Duane) of Oakland, OR, and Sheila Benson (Jeff) of Raymond, CA, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, two grandchildren and four siblings, Virginia Hohlfield, Donald Davis, Bill Davis and Vern Davis.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing Street. Burial with military honors will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison, Montana. A reception will be held in the church social center immediately following the graveside service. Memorials in Richards name are suggested to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 4964 Helena, Montana 59604.
To offer offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Richard please visit below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Monday March 10, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday March 10, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Immediately following the graveside service
Monday March 10, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:30 p.m.
Monday March 10, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the funeral service
Monday March 10, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Row
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Immediately following the graveside service
Monday March 10, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Molly Davis and Joseph Lu says
I remember going to see Grandpa on his farm in Montana as a child. We got to play in the barn and ride horses. I remember him making us homemade ice cream. I have many fond memories from that trip. He will be missed.
Thomas Avery says
I remember my uncle Richard as a strong quiet gentle man, yet physically fit for the rugged outdoor life, a rancher at heart living in the Big sky country of Montana, bucking hay in his 70s, his love of horses ands ponies, a good sense of humor shining through with that age old wisdom. The last time I saw he and Aunt Mary alive was when I went back to see cousin John in Butte. We drove ever to Helena one afternoon for a visit. After Aunt Mary died and cousin Susan had her accident Uncle Richard moved to Oakland Oregon to live with cousin Nancy and her family. I regret that I did not make it down there for a visit it being only a hundred or so miles south of Eugene.
When Linda and I were growing up Mom and Dad drove to Beaver Creek and we visited the family when they lived on the farm and Richard was working at Morell’s packing plant. I got to ride on the horses and ponies. It was a big thrill for me. May Uncle Richard go in peace to join Aunt Mary and his brother Verne and my dad’s sister, Aunt Gladys.
Denise Feller says
We are so sorry for the loss of your dad/grandpa. I didn’t know him but when I look at his picture I am reminded of Joe.
Whitney Benson says
I remember I loved going over to Grandpa and Grandmas house on Spokane Creek Road and getting to help out with the chores. Grandpa would let me go with him when he would feed the miniature horses and I would get to feed all the cats that would be in the shed by the garage. There are so many great memories that I have of grandpa that it is hard to put them all down. I just know that I will never forget them and that I will miss Grandpa very much.
Oyer C. Morgan says
Larry and Susan: I remember with fondness the days at the East Helena United Methodist Church as your families were involved in the building and development of the congregation and new church building. The Davises were great friends and and such good people–kind, generous, loyal and people of faith. Great memories! Thanks!
Oyer Morgan
Dianne Hohlfeld VanBeest says
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Richard. The last of Mom’s brothers has gone to be with the rest of the family. Each of them has left people that love and will miss them. But I am sure that they are happy to see the people that have gone before. Please know that my prayers are with all of your family.