Kenneth L. Davis

Kenneth Lee Davis was born January 7, 1929, in Des Moines, the son of Clarence and Hazel (Clark) Davis. He passed away on December 26th at the age of 96 years 11 months and 19 days at Homestead Assisted Living in Denison, Iowa.

Kenny received his education and graduated from Centerville High School in Centerville with the class of 1946. Upon graduation, Kenny enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a Seaman 1st class on the Destroyer USS Douglas H Fox from 1946-1948. After being discharged, he married Betty Lou Tock on July 17, 1948. They made their home in Cherokee, Iowa as Kenny was employed by the Department of Transportation as a Construction Technician 3 in 1948. He was transferred to the Denison office in 1957 and retired from the DOT in 1992 after 44 years of service.

Kenny was quite active before and after retirement. He coached Little League for ten years, umpired for another ten years, and was a structure judge at the state and global level for Destination Imagination and Odyssey of the Mind. One could check their clock as he was a 3:30 P.M. swimmer at the Aquatic Center which he swam a quarter to a half a mile daily. He also loved to “shoot the breeze” with others while sitting in the hot box or whirlpool. Tuesday evenings meant Kenny would be eating pizza with friends as well as Friday nights at Family Table. Kenny also served the city of Denison as a 20 plus member of the Appeals Board.

Kenny was a 65 year plus member of the Masonic Lodge 507, active in Optimists, American Legion, and Veteran of Foreign Wars. He was very proud of his country and his service to this county as he participated in many parades, flag raising ceremonies, presented the colors at DHS football games, and countless military funerals. He felt it was his duty to honor those who fought for this country.

Kenny was a member of the United Presbyterian Church serving as an elder and deacon many times. He also was an outdoor custodian and grounds keeper. He was very proud that the church’s lawn was always mowed and well kept. Betty and Kenny were Thursday night mixed league bowlers for many years as well as playing bridge with a group of friends once a month. He and Betty were thrilled when grandchildren Stephanie and David arrived and then great children arrived. They were the caregivers to Steph and David Jones, Payton, Jaxson, and Reagan Henningsen until they entered kindergarten, but he continued to take them to school each morning. Grandpa Kenny attended many of the activities the grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved in, ranging from all types of sports, music concerts, and Crawford County Fair livestock showings.

Kenny moved into Homestead Assisted Living and adjusted well. He continued to be active and lead daily morning exercises. He was a mean Bingo player usually with five to ten cards at a time. He learned how to play euchre and could often be found involved in a card game. Kenny was thrilled when raised gardens beds were given to Homestead. He was so happy when he had tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and radishes to share with others. He had several hummingbird feeders outside his window and enjoyed watching them come into feed.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: Clarence, Richard, and Clark; and sisters: Eloise and Florence; his wife, Betty of 71 years; infant daughter, Sheryl; and son-in-law, Tom Jones. Survivors include, one daughter, Kathy Jones; grandchildren: Stephanie Henningsen and husband Dean of Westside, and David Jones and wife Kristi of West Des Moines; four great grandchildren: Payton, Jaxson, and Reagan Henningsen, Harper Jones; brother-in-law, James Tock and his wife Donna of Ball Ground, Georgia; and other relatives and friends.

His memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a masonic service at 10:45 a.m. all on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the United Presbyterian Church in Denison with military honors to follow. Inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will direct memorials.