Mark Evan Davis

1956 - 2012

Mark Evan Davis 1956 - 2012 Mark Evan Davis lost a long battle with cancer on December 21, 2012. Mark was memorable to all who knew him; a force of nature who moved through life on his own terms, with a dogged determination and ready humor. In parts, he was a faithful son & brother, a loving father, a steadfast friend, and to some, a feared opponent. He will be sorely missed. Mark was born on October 17, 1956 to Tommy J. and Jo Ann Davis. He attended elementary and junior high school in Oildale, CA and North High School from 1970 to 1972. He graduated from La Quinta High School in 1974, after his father took a job in the Los Angeles basin. After high school graduation, Mark attended Golden West Junior College from 1974 to 1976, and then Colorado State University. Growing up, Mark loved and excelled at all sports he played, but had a special love for football. As a running back, Mark was all league in high school for two years, a high school and junior college All-American, and leading rusher of the WAC Conference while at Colorado State in 1976. After Colorado State, Mark was signed as a Free Agent each of the next 2 years by the Los Angeles Rams and made it to the final cut his 2nd year. Mark's love for football ran deep, and when his playing career was over, he remained active in the sport as a coach at both the junior football and high school levels, and an avid fan for life. After college, Mark met, and fell in love with Susan Andrew and eventually married on May 24, 1986. Mark and Susan were blessed with a son, Troy James Davis on August 7, 1988. Although their marriage eventually ended, Mark and Susan remained lifelong friends, and Troy was an important part of his life, and a source of immense pride. Many people had a positive influence on Mark's life, but special recognition should go to his father, Tommy J. Davis, the legendary high school coach and motivator, Turk Eliades, as well as the successful high school and college football and baseball coach, Fred Hoover. These men touched Mark's life, as well as countless other young people throughout their own outstanding lives. Mark is preceded in death by his father, Tommy J. Davis, and survived by his mother, Jo Ann Davis, sister, Shelley Furtak, brother-in-law Scott Furtak, ex-wife Susan Davis, son Troy Davis, and nieces, Sarah, Tricia & Cassie Furtak and many more relatives, as well as numerous friends wherever he lived, be it in Bakersfield, Orange County, Scottsdale, AZ or Woodland, CA. Please join us in celebration of his life on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Mish Funeral Home in Oildale. Any donations to acknowledge Mark may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. www.bakersfield.com/obits