M. D. Arthur Sprague Davis

Our dad, Dr Arthur S. Davis, M.D, passed to his eternal home on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in Monument, Colorado. His children accompanied him through his peaceful last breath, surrounding him with love throughout the entire journey. Born March 12,1934 in North Chili, New York, Art was the youngest of four children; one of whom died in childhood, with his sister Lulu and brother Cliff remaining close throughout his life.

Overcoming formidable obstacles, Art determined as a second grader that he would become a medical doctor. Nothing deterred him as he pushed through high school and college with little support, then served in the US Coast Guard before entering and graduating from medical school at State University of New York, Buffalo, later continuing to become an orthopedic surgeon. He continually credited his achievements to his good wife, Ramona Strickland Davis, whom he met as a teenager, and who preceded him in death (2019). Together they raised five children: Arthur (Chip), Carol, LuAnne, Ken and Karen, four of whom survive Art, with Chip succumbing to cancer in 2023.

Art's passion was in serving those without privilege, especially in underserved parts of the world. His family with him, he devoted five years to Greenville Free Methodist Medical Missions in Natal, South Africa. He excelled with unusual cases requiring ingenious use of limited resources and skillful imagination. Never losing his love for adventure, he regularly joined medical groups on overseas trips to remote areas, performing many surgeries possible only when visiting doctors were available.

Art could just as easily have chosen a career in music. Gifted in piano and organ, he spent bits of free time arranging music for church groups and family, providing keyboard accompaniment wherever he attended church. Our family suffered the huge loss of our mother, Ramona, six years ago; Art's life was forever different as he continued to deeply grieve until the end of his life.

Carol, LuAnne, Ken and Karen grew to appreciate a somewhat more reflective person in recent years, as he necessarily slowed down and began processing aloud an undeservedly difficult childhood. He frequently voiced his affection for his family and found words for feelings that long had evaded him. More than ready for eternity, Art's final days were spent instructing his children to assemble a few items for "his trip," including a few family photos, carved animals from Africa, and a pair of shoes.

Art leaves a legacy of four surviving children and spouses, 18 grandchildren, 12 of whom are married, with 23 great-grandchildren, to date. Many have inherited his sense of humor and his tenacity. We find comfort, even joy, in knowing he is in God's very presence, complete and whole.