Gerald Joseph Davis

Gerald Joseph Davis

Gerald Joseph Davis, age 82, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Friday, June 19, 2020, at his home. He was born Nov. 21, 1937, in Farmington, Minn., the son of Lawrence Edward and Rose Louise Tutewohl Davis. He served in the U.S. Airforce and Airforce Reserve. He married Mary Kathleen Matney on June 17, 1961, in Albuquerque, N.M. His main hobby was his family; it was the most important thing to him. He taught his kids horseback riding, water skiing, fishing, construction, and cooking. His adage was work hard and play harder. After sending all the kids to college, his greatest accomplishment, he obtained his GED in 1994. Education was a top priority for him. He was a very generous man, compassionate, giving, and a loving father. He was always willing to help and put others needs before his own. He helped many in the community and supported those in need. Gerald never let his family down, made sure all were at church every Sunday and expected them to have high moral values. His optimistic and constantly positive attitude will be greatly missed. He leaves behind a great legacy. He was a member of V.F.W. Post No. 1165, Knights of Columbus, Local Watershed District No. 2, and Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He was a big supporter of Tri-Valley and a recipient of the Presidents Volunteer Service Award.

Survivors include his wife Mary of the home: two sons, Mark James Davis and wife Connie, Gravette, Ark., and William Edward Davis, Wichita, Kan.; two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Swezey and husband Ronald, Franklin, Kan., and Teresa Kathleen Davenport and husband Jerry, Farlington, Kan.; two brothers, Lawrence Louis Davis and wife Barb, and LaVerne Michael Davis and wife Alice; eight grandchildren, Jenni Edge and husband Brandon, Mulberry, Kan., Amanda Davis, Gravette, Ark., Jacob Davis and wife LeAnn, Rogers, Ark., Jeremy Swezey and fiancé Alex, Overland Park, Kan., Mary Swezey and fiancé Brian, Arma, Kan., Brianne Sheridan and husband Joe, Pittsburg, Kan., Dehn Davenport, Fort Scott, Kan., and Davis Davenport, Farlington, Kan.; five great-granddaughters, Sarah Burns, Annalyn Davenport, Olivia Davis, Maci Jo Edge, and Rose Swezey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by a son, Michael Joseph Davis; two brothers, Richard and Ronnie Davis; a sister, Bernadine Peterson; a sister-in-law Janice Davis; and his parents.

The mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Private family burial will take place later in the U.S. National Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 at the church, with visitation following from 6 until 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to either the Michael J. Davis Memorial at Tri-Valley or Care to Share and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.