John A. Davis, Sr., affectionately known as “Buck,” passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the age of 93. Born April 3, 1932, in his home in Lacombe, LA, he was a life-long resident of Lacombe and Slidell, LA. Buck was married to the love of his life, Lenell O. Davis of Slidell, LA, for 68 years, and together they built a family legacy of love that lives on.
In addition to Lenell, Buck is survived by his four children: John A. “Chip” Davis, Jr. (Vicki,) D. Scott Davis (Debbie,) Dawn McCormick (Michael Dee,) and Karen Rewerts (Carl.) Buck adored his eleven grandchildren: Katie Papasan (Brett,) Mallory Onarecker (Tim,) Trey Davis, Jason Davis (Lauren,) Will McCormick, Chris Davis, Lauren Petit (Pierce,) Claire Quintana (Michael,) Stuart Davis (Madison,) Glendon Rewerts (Lucy,) and Lydia Rewerts; and his twelve great-grandchildren: Davis Papasan, Elise Papasan, Eleanor Onarecker, Ben Onarecker, Elizabeth Onarecker, Elle Davis, Cole Davis, Myles Quintana, Harper Grace Quintana, Callum Quintana, Margot Petit, and Pierce Petit, Jr. Buck is survived by his sister-in-law, Peggy Davis, brother-in-law Charles O’Neill (Ruthie,) special niece Elaine Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Buck was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Davis, Sr., and Margaret Thom Davis; his sisters, Marjorie Moran, Doris Wherritt, Juanita Love, Eleanor Storm, Lucy Lockwood, Frances Pearson; and his brother, William H. “Billy” Davis, Jr.
Buck enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 5, 1953, and served his country stateside and in Germany, achieving the rank of Sergeant E-5, and being honorably discharged on April 19, 1956. Buck’s service is memorialized at the National WWII Museum on the Honor Roll of Charter Members.
Buck graduated from Louisiana State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was an avid LSU fan and enjoyed engaging his grandchildren in lively debates over the superiority of LSU over all other universities. Buck enjoyed a successful career in facility engineering and management at the NASA Computer Complex in Slidell. He loved working in the aerospace industry and was selected to participate in and observe the launch of the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-53) at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Buck had a special interest in forestry and was a long-time member of both the Louisiana Forestry Association and the St. Tammany Forestry Association. Buck’s favorite things in life were his family, coaching little league teams, attending athletic events and dance recitals, leading Boy Scouts, participating in mission trips, assisting with innumerable piano recitals, gardening at an expert level, repairing the irreparable, and feeding and caring for animals, most fondly his long-time friend and companion, Boudin. When life got hard, Buck’s usual advice was, “Go get a Coke and a candy bar.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Tammany Recreational District #4 at 61100 North 12th Street, Lacombe, LA 70445.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.
Visitation at the church on Friday after 9:00 A.M. until funeral time.
A private interment will follow at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.
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