LAWRENCE L. DAVIS

LT. COL. LAWRENCE L. DAVIS (USAF, Ret) "Don't sweat the small stuff," Lawrence Davis often told his family and friends. "And everything is small stuff!" It is no small stuff to his family, however, that our father, grandfather and great grandfather died July 9, 2013 in San Antonio, TX just a month after celebrating his 90th birthday with four generations of family members and friends. We will continue to live in the blessings of his wisdom, perseverance, humility and wit and give thanks for all that he taught us about love for family and country. Born in Cleveland, OH, on June 9, 1923, Larry Davis grew up in humble conditions with a loving stepmother in Minneapolis, MN. He developed a photographic memory because he could not afford to buy textbooks and spent every free day earning income as a caddy. As a youngster, then, he learned to rely upon his own wits and to adore the game of golf. He passed on his love of golf, chess and fishing to three generations and soundly beat friends and family in chess just a few days before his death. Also, even in his eighties, Larry could recite his favorite poems: "If," "The Cremation of Sam McGee," "Casey at the Bat," "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "High Flight." Enlisting in the U.S. Army, he was called to active duty in December, 1942. He began his career at Lackland Field, San Antonio, and trained as a navigator at Hondo Army Airfield. He went on to have a fulfilling military career in the Strategic Air Command, retiring in 1969 at March AFB after 27 years as a navigator who saw combat in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. He was proud to be a crewman on B-29, B-36 and B-52 aircraft, to serve on the Inspector General's team, and as a plans officerincluding that post at Biggs AFB in El Paso, TX, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Only 46 at retirement, Larryin his characteristic unpretentious mannerbegan a new life as a scholar and mentor in Riverside, CA. He worked part-time as a taxi driver while earning his bachelor's, master's and PhD. (Phi Beta Kappa) degrees and demonstrated to all that as long as one is healthy, one should be helping to improve the community. Dr. Davis thoroughly enjoyed his second career as a clinical psychologistserving as a forensic advisor and as a counselor for troubled youth, often taking them camping and hiking. He thoroughly enjoyed a long association with the Counseling Team International of San Bernardino, CA. where he assessed thousands of candidates for law enforcement academies, job placements and promotions, and helped these men and women of the badge transition into new jobs after trauma. Against the protests of his colleagues, Larry retired from his second career when he was 84. He and his wife, Marian Sonja Jensen, married in Minneapolis in 1946 and raised three children. They enjoyed friends in Riverside for more than 40 years and were duplicate bridge life masters. They celebrated their 65th anniversary in Texas in 2011 after relocating to be closer to their children. Larry was greatly grieved when his wife died May 5, 2013. He is survived by his children: Dr. Michael J. Davis (Darcea) of Keller, Tx; Karen Davis Kilgore of Kerrville; and Lawrence R. Davis (Patricia) of Maricopa, AZ. His grandchildren include Dr. Shannon M. Kilgore, David W. Kilgore, Michael E. Davis, Gregory R. Davis and Mark L. Davis. His great grandchildren are Austin and Rachel Farhoudi; Tanner, Molly and Harrison Davis; Kaylin and Victoria Davis; and Collin and Dylan Pivnick. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, M.J. Jensen, Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Omaha, NE. He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Jacobson; his stepmother, Lotus Davis; his father, Albert Lutch; and his beloved granddaughter, Amanda Davis Pivnick. The family will commit the ashes of their parents at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice or to Hospice for Heroes at Air Force Village, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78245 (www.afvillages.org)