Michael F. Davis

Michael Frank Davis, 69, of Sorento, passed away on October 12, 2024, at his
residence.
Michael was born October 22, 1954, in Litchfield, Illinois, the son of Eldon and
Dorothy (Joplin) Davis. He was a bond county native, having grown up in the
Sorento area, or thereabouts, and attended the local schools, only long enough to
earn his driver's license, they say. He did not like being told what to do and he
sure would put up a stink about doing it, but he was the kindest, most giving man
you could know.
He moved to St. Louis for a time but returned to Sorento years later. Highland
Machine and Screw is where he spent his working years, as a machinist. He met
and helped raise a family with his love, Barbara Starwalt, whom he spent the last
20 years of his life with.
His stubborn streak and ornery ways belied his kind heart. People loved Mike and
he loved people, from all walks of life and backgrounds. He had a hand in raising
a lot of kids, and in many of those relationships, there wasn't even a shared blood
line. Mike was a royal jokester, and the type of guy that would spoil the kids,
sugar them up and send them home. Being an adventurer, he enjoyed being
outside (he was always quick with a wave to passerby's) and activities such as
hunting, but he really loved being on his motorcycle most of all. He was a good
ole boy who loved classic rock, motorcycles, and his family. A Harley man
through and through, one that you would be hard pressed to find NOT wearing a
Harley t-shirt.
Cooking, and eating, were other enjoyments of Mike's. He absolutely loved a
good Chinese buffet, never passing up on the opportunity to have crab legs. He
liked to be in the kitchen too, getting creative with ingredients, no matter where
they were found, and whipping up a good meal for him and his friends. Sancho's
and homemade pizza were crowd favorites.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Eldon and Dorothy, sisters, Judith
Devaisher and Jane Davis-Byrd, and stepson, Michael Williams.
Surviving Mike are sister, Michele Rau of Donnellson, Illinois; special friend, Barbara Starwalt of Sorento, Illinois;
stepchildren, Matthew Blanton of Coffeen, Illinois, Nicholas Starwalt of Litchfield,
Illinois and Kari Davis of Gaffney, South Carolina; grandchildren, Ronni Cutright, Aiden Blanton,
Mika Davidson, Janie Davidson, Wyatt, Oden, Elijah, and Violet Starwalt; several
great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be mailed to: American Heart Association, 12400 Olive Boulevard,
St. Louis, Missouri 63141 or to the Family of Michael Davis, c/o Michele Rau, 118 E. College Avenue, Greenville, Illinois 62246.
A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the
ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer
condolences to the family.