Dr. Thomas L. Davis

1922 - 2014

Davis, Dr. Thomas L.Dr. Thomas L. Davis died peacefully on March 17, 2014 surrounded by loving family and friends. Born July 22, 1922, he was part of a generation described by journalist Tom Brokaw as "the greatest generation." While known for his love of family, loyalty to friends, pride in his country, commitment to his profession and compassion towards others, he would prefer to be remembered as a man of God. He was a devout Christian and avid reader, the combination of which resulted, possibly, in the most highlighted Bible in history. Born and raised in Lansford, PA, Tom was proud of his beloved coal regions. After graduating from Lansford High School and Muhlenberg College, he completed his first year of dental school at the University of Pennsylvania in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country in World War II. Although eligible for an elevated commission of second lieutenant, he enlisted at a lower rank to be with his home town buddies. As a technician in the Medical Detachment 594th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, he served four years in the South Pacific and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Stars and Bronze Arrowhead. He was honorably discharged in 1946.While completing his studies at Temple University School of Dentistry, where he was awarded a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, he met his beloved wife, H. Elizabeth ("Betty") (Bengtson) Davis, on a blind date. They were married six weeks later. It was a beautiful, loving marriage, which they often described as, "We have it all, just like Bogey and Bacall." They resided in the Lehigh Valley, where Tom opened a private practice, and built a summer home on Lake Harmony in the Poconos. It was there that he enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it was water skiing, snow skiing, boating, hiking, camping, scouting activities or simply relaxing by the lake. With the intention of "giving back," Tom retired from a successful private practice to work at White Haven Center. He drew enormous gratification from providing restorative dental care to the residents, many of whom suffered from profound physical and mental disabilities. His fondness for the residents was mutual, with many of them congregating in his office on a daily basis just to be near him or to catch an occasional hug.Tom was a member of Grace United Church of Christ in Allentown, PA, Masonic Lodge 733 (Minsi Lodge), Irem Temple, American Dental Association, National Ski Patrol and Lake Harmony Rescue Squad and Ambulance Corps. Survivors: He was predeceased by his wife, Betty, and parents, Claude and Mary (Pollock) Davis of Lansford, PA. He is survived by his son Thomas L. Davis and his wife, Lynn, of Coopersburg, his son Dr. Jonathan B. Davis and his wife, Jenny of Monrovia, MD, his daughter Nancy E. Davis, Esquire and her husband Joseph Warner Butler, III of Gloucester, MA, his grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew and Michael and his devoted and loving friend, Mary Studenich of Allentown. Services: Services: A viewing will be held Saturday, March 22 from 9am until 10:30am at the church, with a funeral service immediately following. Burial with military honors will be at Sky View Memorial Park in Hometown, Pa. Address: Grace United Church of Christ, 623 Cleveland St, Allentown, Pa. Arrangements by Trexler Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown, PA. www.trexlerfuneralhome.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Church of Christ and Fellowship Manor, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052. His family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Fellowship Manor for providing extraordinary care with immeasurable compassion.