David Lewis Davis

David L. Davis, age 77 of Madera, Ca passed away Sunday August 10, 2025, in Fresno, California.

David was born in Madera, California February 23, 1948, the third of four children of Elvin Keith Davis and Betty Sorensen Davis.

Parents Elvin and Betty started farming in 1941 during WWII and operated a dairy in the Ripperdan district for 46 years. David learned to work hard right away, becoming an indispensable hand at an early age. He learned that he preferred farming to dairying; he knew he wanted time for family, friends and his favorite pastimes.

At Madera High School David was a golden glove boxer and four-year wrestler, he was focused on ag and a member of FFA. Later he proudly attended his sons' wrestling matches and FFA activities at Madera High. David graduated in the class of '66 and maintained lifelong friendships with many classmates, such as kindergarten school mates Ray Seibert and Chester Andrew.

After high school David attended Reedley College. In 1968 with the Vietnam War ramping up he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Thailand serving in communications. Upon discharge, he immediately went back to work on the family farm to help his parents and continued his education using the G.I. Bill at Fresno State University obtaining a BS degree in Agribusiness.

He bought his first farm from Uncle Lloyd Lewis in 1976 and married the love of his life Linda Ayotte in 1977. Farming went through a very difficult time in the early '80s just as the new couple were starting out, but as they say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". David and Linda survived, then prospered, buying additional land and starting their family. They had son Scott in 1981 and twins Nick and Brian in 1983. David was an involved father and could take his three sons and the diaper bag out to work with him on the farm when needed. David loved being a father and spent quality time with them passing on the value of hard work and a job well done, the joy of family and how to have some fun! The family enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, dirt bikes and later flying their private aircraft together. In later years the family vacationed in Cabo San Lucas and enjoyed taking friends and family along for fun and relaxation after harvest.

In 2009 David was involved in an accident with his Cessna aircraft which resulted in partial paralysis. While this changed his life, he and Linda met every challenge with grace and a good attitude; he lived another 17 years farming and enjoying his family, including meeting 10 grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda Davis, son Scott and wife Karli of Carlsbad, California and their three children, sons Kellan and Brixton and daughterJolie, by son Nicholas and daughter-in-law Alli and their three children, Dean, Demi and Drake and by son Brian and his wife Cristina and their four children Austin, Brianna, Claire, and newborn Kenneth Davis. David was "Papa" to his grandchildren and they loved to pile on for a ride in the gator or on a tractor with him. One can see the influence he has already had on his young grandchildren and we know there are several farmers to go forward into the sixth generation of California farmers. David is also survived by his sister, Deborah Davis Reitz and her partner Deborah Mall, and by nephew Rick Davis and his family of Clovis, California. David is survived by wife Linda's mother Huguette Jennings, sisters Nancy Bacot and Ginette Brock and their family members. David's sons' families the Dumeas and Zulewskis were an important part of his life. David Davis will be remembered as a talented farmer, for his sense of humor, and most of all as the loving patriarch of his extended family.

Arrangements are being made with Jay Chapel, Madera. A celebration of life is planned after harvest on November 15, 2025. Details will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Craig Hospital Englewood, Colorado, Christopher Reeve Foundation, Wounded Warriors or to the Joan Davis Scholarship fund in care of Madera High School.