Joe Davila

1922 - 2016

August 22, 1922 - August 28, 2016
Joe Davila, born August 22, 1922 in Saspamco, Texas went to be with our Lord on August 28, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents Leandro and Paulina Davila, siblings Celia Zertuche, stepbrother Manuel, and sons Charles Christian and Michael Edward Davila. He attended Lanier High School, then joined the United States Army.

Private First Class Joe Davila fought under General Douglas MacArthur of Company L 184 Infantry Regiment 7th Division. He saw action in the Pacific Theater including the Marshall Islands, Marianas, Aleutians Island and Okinawa. Joe was one of the first infantry men to step foot on the Philippines.

Private First Class Davila was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in connection with Military Operations against the enemy on January 31, 1945. As a Rifleman under attack, he found himself one of the last two men standing while others were very badly wounded. Disregarding his own safety, he continued firing and throwing grenades to keep the enemy at bay, aiding the wounded back to friendly lines.

On April 20, 1945, Joe received the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Private First Class Davila and company went under intense fire in Okinawa. He voluntarily risked his own safety and ran forward to assist his men. Wounded from shell fragments, his actions continued as he alerted and got his men to safety. Because of his wounds he also received a Purple Heart.
Corporal Joe Davila was honorably discharged from the Army of the United States on Dec 28th, 1946 after spending two years in the Medical Hospital recovering from his wounds.
After working 30 years in Civil Service in the Special Weapons Division at Kelly Field, he retired. He was one of the Pioneers of St. Paul's Catholic Church and School where all seven of his children attended. He became Scout Master, helped the Brigidine Sisters and was instrumental in starting the CYO fields. Most days you would find Joe tinkering in his workshop on an array of projects. Although Joe was a jack of all trades who could fix and build anything and rebuild and troubleshoot cars, Joe's family was his life. Joe undeniably made his whole life around his family, his nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors, but most unequivocally, his life revolved around the love of his life, his wife Helen Davila of 71 years. Joe opened his home to everyone, and it quickly became a popular destination to find just the right nut and bolt to complete your own project. Joe's motto was "If I don't have it, you don't need it." Joe and Helen sacrificed everything for their children and were able to send all of them to college. After his children left home, Joe and his lovely wife Helen became the original flippers of homes well into their 70s. Joe and Helen had countless friends and loved to travel, especially to gambling destinations. Most Friday nights you would find them dancing to Latin Music at Arjon's or hanging out at the VFW Post 76 with family and friends. Another favorite activity was playing Bunco with their lifelong friends. Joe and Helen were especially proud of their 13 grandchildren and great-grandchild. Joe continued the tradition of opening his home, his ear and giving very useful advice, helping to instill a strong work and life ethic to all of his grandchildren. Joe's love of children was undeniable, as any child was treated as his own, and everyone called him either Grandpa or Uncle Joe. Joe was patient and kind. He was a teacher, a mentor and a friend.
Joe is survived by his of wife of 71 years, Helen Del Castillo-Davila, originally born in Port Arthur; brother Leandro 'Lalo' Davila and wife Margaret; sons Joe Davila, George Davila and wife Jacqueline, Roland Davila and wife Mary; daughter-in-law Diana Davila; daughter Linda Davila and husband Henry, son Edward Davila, and Steve Haynes. He is also survived by grandchildren Heather Davila, Andrea Davila and husband Luther Blanton, Leslie Tagaras and husband David, Richard Guerra and wife Rebecca, Carlos Davila, Roland Davila Jr., Cynthia Davila, Matthew Davila and fiancée Paulina Roman, Analysa Davila, Michael Davila Jr., Danielle Davila, Victoria Haynes, Veronica Haynes, and great-grandson Michael Christian Davila, along with countless nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Joe and Helen's lives revolved around each other. They did everything together, and theirs was a true real-life fairy tale. He will be deeply missed, but his presence will be with us forever.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 5:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 350 Sutton Drive.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 10:00 am at St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery No. II.

You are invited to
sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com

Arrangements with