Delphin D. Davis

1925 - 2014

Delphin D. Davis
February 26, 1925 - February 20, 2014
Delphin "Del" Davis, age 88, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2014.  He was born to Harry and Opal Davis in Commerce, OK.  At the age of 16, Del boarded a bus to San Francisco, meeting up with his brother, Ronald.  He attended welding school and upon graduation, got a job in the shipyards.
In 1943, Del was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Guam, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, finishing out his Tour of Duty in China.  After WWII, Del worked for various airlines, first as a mehanic and eventurally as an inspector.
Del was an active member of Smyrna Masonic lodge #532 in Ceres, serving as Master for 6 years, Shrine Club, and York Rite and was a 33 Degree Mason in Scottish Rite.  He was Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars #9676 in Waterford.
Del loved his Church, wood- working, driving his "Tin Lizzy" as a Shriner in regional parades, but especially loved portraying Santa Claus at Christmas Tree Lane in Ceres for several years with his wife, Shirley, as Mrs. Claus. 
He is survived by his sons, Darwin Davis and Troy Davis, step-children, Nancy Johnson (Scott), Clare Atkins (James), and Grant Erickson, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley, daughter, Janet Davis, step-son Lynn Erickson, and grandson Clint Johnson.
Services will be held at Smyrna Lodge #532, 2904 3rd St., Ceres, CA  95307 on Sat., March 8th at 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smyrna Lodge or VFW #9676, P.O. Box 99, Waterford, CA  95386.
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