Tom Dale Davis

Tom Davis was born on March 5th, 1942, to Monte and Eliza Davis in Wellington, CO. When Tom was young, the family moved to LaPorte, CO, where he grew up on the farm and graduated from Cache La Poudre High School. Tom ran track and played basketball & football, playing tight end on the state champion football team. After graduation, Tom attended Colorado State University where he earned degrees in biology and physical education. He then earned a master's degree in education.

Tom's first teaching/coaching job was in Big Springs, NE, where he taught biology and coached football, boys' basketball, and track. Tom accepted a junior high and high school teaching position in Sturgis, SD, where he coached football, boys' basketball, and track. In Sturgis, Tom met Jane, and they were married seven months later. They were a remarkable team for 55 years. While in Sturgis, sons Chad and Chris were born.

Tom had the opportunity to return to Northern Colorado in 1977, teaching and coaching at Poudre High School in Fort Collins. While there, he coached boys' basketball, football, track, and girls' basketball – where he brought in a bonus daughter, Penny. Two of his high jumpers earned a total of three state championships. Teaching and coaching at PHS was the joy of Tom's career. He had great pride in the school and the science department, and was a finalist for Colorado Teacher of the Year.

When Tom retired, the Poudre School District needed a manager for French Field – the district athletic field – on short notice. They contacted Tom who knew the facility, sports, and coaching community, and asked if he'd manage the field on an interim basis. That interim position lasted 20 years; Tom served as the field manager until he was 80 years old! (When Wellington High School opened, they asked Tom to open that field to which he reminded them that he was 80 years old!)

Tom will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, integrity, silliness, and commitment to lifting up those around him. Living out his faith was always more important than talking about it. Family was his highest priority. Attendance at his children's games and performances was non-negotiable, and the same held true for his grandchildren. Tom always drove the kids' car on family trips where he listened to music at top volume. His stories were the stuff of legend! Tom earned the trust and respect of everyone he knew, and he knew he was nothing without his wife, Jane. Tom is now at rest in God's care with his son, Chad, and his family is grateful they are together.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Monte and Eliza Davis, his 13 brothers and sisters, and his beloved son, Chad. His legacy lives on in his son, Chris (with wife, Rachel) and daughter, Penny (with husband, Steve), grandchildren Celia, Brennan, and Wil (with wife, Cheyenne), and great-grandson, Crew.