Dennis "Denny" Davis

Dennis "Denny" Davis, 75, of Atlantic, went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines, after a hard fought thirteen month battle with Stage IV lung cancer, hospitalization beginning Feb. 10, 2026, and transfer to hospice March 13, 2026, to Wesley on Grand in Des Moines.
On Aug. 3rd, 1950, Denny was born to Ronald and Mary (Cleeland) Davis in his parents' vehicle on the way to the hospital in Creston, (probably because there were animals to be taken care of first). He thus began a life of improvising and making the best of whatever circumstances he found himself in, with determination and a sense of humor.
Denny and his family, including his younger siblings, Vicki, Kelly, and Kristi, lived on various farms in SW Iowa before moving into Atlantic, and then onto the family farm south of town. Denny excelled and truly enjoyed his high school experience, graduating in 1968 as class president and captain of the football team, among many other accomplishments. He turned down scholarships at small colleges to instead attend Iowa State University and pursue his dream to play football. Denny joked that the offensive line dipped down half a foot in size when it got to him at center. But he earned playing time as a long snapper, even playing at Missouri with a cast on his broken leg. Leaving ISU for Drake University, he worked full time at Meredith Corporation while earning his BS in Business Administration in 1975.
On June 24, 1972 Denny married Sherry Cohron in Omaha, Neb. Their precious daughter, Jaime Marissa Davis, was born Oct. 13, 1976, in Des Moines. Meeting his daughter for the first time in intensive care, a life long bond was forged.
Returning to Atlantic in 1977, Denny was active in his hometown community. Elected to the Atlantic School Board in 1987, he served 29 years with numerous terms as President including guiding the construction of the new high school, completed in 1996. Denny coached many Little League teams for his daughter and her friends, and managed and played on The Pines men's softball team for many years. Denny served on many local and state boards and committees both in a volunteer capacity and a professional one. His philosophy was that if you care about something, step up and help make a difference.
Moving to an acreage near Wiota in 1982, Denny, with the help of his family, began farming for himself. He raised large flocks of sheep and goats, while maintaining full time employment in the bridge construction industry, serving as Vice President for AM Cohron & Son, his father-in-law's company. Time at Murphy Heavy Contracting in Anita, Midwestern Culvert, Ltd. in Ankeny, and Commercial Construction, Inc. in Lincoln, Neb., followed. He retired in 2015 to "just" farm, and continued to maintain a cow-calf operation, doing things the hard way with old machinery and a stubborn streak.
Denny will be missed for his wisdom, wit, mentorship, his drive to make things happen, and his ability to notice people and connect. He loved his family deeply and unconditionally, and we are forever grateful.
Denny is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sherry (Cohron) of Atlantic; daughter, Jaime Davis, son-in-law, Allan Smith and grandson, Trevor Davis Smith all of Ankeny; sisters, Vicki Levy of Des Moines and Kristi Arnold (Roger Simpson) of Wathena, Kan,; sisters-in-law, Randi (Doug) Williams of Columbus, Neb., Marci Cohron of Atlantic, and Tammy Cohron of Bellevue, Neb.; former brothers-in-law, Robert "Duey" Arnold of Algona, and J.C. Van Ginkel of Atlantic; many nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family, and many friendships developed over his lifetime.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Ron and Mary Davis; brother, Kelly Davis; brothers-in-law, Bob Levy and Kenny Croson; and parents-in-law, Don and Ardath Cohron.
Visitation with family present will be Monday, March 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at Hillside Hope Assembly in Atlantic. Pastor Dave Beroth will be presiding over the services. Interment will be at the Atlantic Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Denny's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.