David Davis

DAVID DAVIS

CRIDERSVILLE — David Lee Davis died on July 8, 2014. He was born on September 30, 1943 in Reedsburg, Wisconsin to Edward Guy Davis and Edith Beryl (Holtz) Davis, both of who preceded him in death.

David is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their two children (and spouses): Mark Edward Guy Davis (Elizabeth) and Michele Lee Davis Welsh (Stephen), and David's four grandchildren: Macmannus David Lee Davis, Quinnlan Edward Davis, Ian David Welsh and Declan Robert Welsh. David is also survived by his sisters, Diane Hanson (Ernest) and Sue Webster (Colin), and the many members of his extended family and friends.

After graduating from Reedsburg High School in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, David went on receive his undergraduate degree in chemistry in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Among other achievements, he was designated as the American Institute of Chemist's Outstanding Senior of his graduating undergraduate class.

Following post-degree work at the University of Oregon, David joined the regular U.S. Air Force in 1966, serving in active duty as a member of the special forces during the Vietnam War and later the Medical Corps. David married Barbara (Whitty) Davis on October 29, 1966.

While in the Air Force, David graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School with honors as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and as the recipient of the UW Foundation award.

During his years in the Air Force he also completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of California - Davis School of Medicine, a Sterling Bunnell hand surgery fellowship in San Francisco, and a fellowship in pediatric orthopeadic surgery at the Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was also a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and was a Board Certified Orthopaedic surgeon. After his honorable discharge from the Air Force as a Lt. Colonel in 1980, David, Barbara and their children moved to Lima, Ohio where David practiced orthopeadic surgery until his retirement in 2008. During his years practicing medicine in Lima, David was instrumental in establishing the Orthopeadic Institute of Ohio and he felt honored to help provide medical care in the community.

David's joy was his family and he was a passionate guardian and supporter of his family, friends and nature. Through him, his family and loved ones learned the joy of walking a stream, planting a tree and pushing themselves to always be learning.

In keeping with David's wishes, a private family service will be held.

The family would like to thank the care providers at St. Rita's Hospice for their compassionate and loving care as well as the many friends that have provided support in their thoughts and prayers.

Should friends desire, the family asks that you give a book to a child or your neighborhood school or library. If time would permit, please read a book with a child and share the joy of knowledge and wonder of learning that was such a part of David's life. Online condolences may be shared at BayliffAndSon.com.