Gary Davis

Gary Dean Davis, 84, passed away on August 16, 2025.

Gary was born on October 13, 1940 in Springfield, Missouri. He moved with his family to Seattle, WA where his dad got a job with Boeing. Gary went to elementary school there. They moved to Kansas City, where Gary went to Jr. High and High School in Raytown. He graduated from Raytown High. In January of 1959 he enlisted in the Navy after working a short time for the Missouri Highway Dept. He had basic training in Memphis, TN. Gary was then transferred to Quonset Point, RI working as a flight simulator technician. He gave pilots maneuvers on ADSN and ICAI, which were small Navy planes. After serving for four years in Rhode Island, Gary returned to Kansas City and began working briefly at Bendix, before he was referred to TWA. He worked at TWA as an electrical mechanic, working in various departments including nondestructive testing as an instructor, a role he enjoyed the most. His love for aviation didn't stop there, as he also enjoyed flying model airplanes and was a member of the Northen Knights Club. Gary met the love of his life, Doris, in 1957 at a singles group at Community Christian Church on the Plaza. They later married on November 1, 1969. In 1975-77, they spent 2 years in Jedda, Saudia Arabia - assisting maintenance for Saudia Airlines. Doris was able to be with him the whole time he was working there. They travelled extensively with the airline through the years. He retired from American Airlines in October 2008, after 42 years of service. In his spare time Gary enjoyed the comradery and intellect shared amongst his fellow Toast Masters members. He also had a devout love for the Lord and was a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Glen; mother, Ruth; and sisters, Nancy and Judy. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Doris; his brother and children; other nieces and nephews, Debra and Ramiro Garza, Billy and Susan Edwards, Craig and Carole Edwards, Bobby and Vickie Edwards, Bobby and Lana Purinton, Jeremy and Jennifer Edwards, Tressa Hyde, Laure Edwards, Stacy and Michael Stone; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will take place at Terrace Park Cemetery on Thursday, August 28th at 11:00am. A Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church on Saturday, September 27th at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pleasant Valley Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.