Donald Ray Davis

Donald Ray Davis
1928~2013
Salt Lake City, UT-Donald Ray Davis, 85, passed away Friday, November 8, 2013. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 18, 1928 to Allen E. and Grace Davis. Don had a great love and appreciation for his cherished wife, family, friends, and neighbors. His love for others, his willingness to always lend a hand, and his wonderful sense of humor will always be remembered by all who knew him. Don attended Granite High School. He began working at a young age to help support his family. He served valiantly in the U.S. Navy and met the love of his life, Darlene A. Marquette, while stationed in Portland, Oregon, and they were later married there on June 7, 1952. He brought his bride home to Salt Lake City in 1953. Don's greatest source of pleasure in life was raising his three children in a stable and loving environment, where his witty sense of humor and love of life were always apparent. He especially loved taking his family on yearly extended adventures with his camping trailer in tow. He enjoyed fishing, swimming, camping and riding his trusty Honda 90 on the back roads of Salt Lake and St. George. He always said that Island Park, Idaho was his favorite place on earth. Don was a member of the LDS church. He most enjoyed home teaching his neighbors that he loved. He was blessed with a natural ability to make others comfortable and happy, and above all, the ability to make them laugh. His empathy for others was his greatest gift. On March 11, 1983, he was sealed to his beloved wife in the Salt Lake Temple and has since been sealed to his children as well. Following Don's retirement from Kennecott Copper, with 39 years of service, he and Darlene moved to St. George for the winters where they made many long lasting friendships. There they enjoyed square dancing, bowling, bingo, card games with friends, and taking long walks in the sun. Don was a gentle, loving Dad and Grandpa and a sincerely devoted and loving husband. He always let his sweet wife know that she was his "queen." Don is survived by his wife, Darlene; his children Kathy Scott (Brad), Sandy Kettle (Dan), Steve Davis (Cathleen); 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; and a sister Geri Humphrey (Gary). He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be held Thursday November 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Imperial Ward, 2700 S 1520 E. Friends may visit family Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, and Thursday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.