Obituary: Milan Davis

The Daily Iowegian - 24 May 2007

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  Milan Davis, 85, of rural Numa, son of Clement J. and Marie (Green) Davis, was born on Feb. 3, 1922 near Promise City. He passed away at his home on May 22, 2007.
  His education began at the Jerome School, continued at Liberty Center rural school in Wayne County, Corydon High School, Seymour High School and Iowa State College at Ames. His religious education began at churches in Jerome and continued at the Bethel Church in Wayne County.
  In his youth, he was active in both 4-H and FFA in Wayne County. He concentrated on showing sheep, racing and showing the family pony, Betty.
  He spent two years as a rural school teacher in Appanoose County.
  During World War II he entered the U.S. Army on Feb. 3, 1943. He received his training at Camp Haan, Calif., and went overseas to England in April 1944. He was a member of the 546th Anti-Aircraft Battalion and crossed the English Channel on D-Day+37 with General Patton’s Third Army. He continued serving in the European Theater of the war until he was honorably discharged in 1946. He was a 52-year member of the Seymour American Legion.
  He was married to the former Donna Hibbs on Aug. 14, 1947. They made their home in Seymour until they purchased their farm east of town where they have lived for 56 years with a livestock farming operation concentrating on Angus cattle. He carried on this tradition of his grandfather and father of raising Angus cattle. He was pleased that his son, Bruce, is keeping up the tradition.
  Music was an important part of his life from the time he began cornet lessons at age 11. He was very proud of the musical achievements of each of his children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed the family instrumental “jam sessions” and sing-alongs.
  Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother, Torcie Merlin Davis; and a niece, Phyllis Davis.
  Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Donna; daughters Kay Singley and husband, Rob, of Moulton, Jan Berner and husband, Kim, of Albia; son Bruce and wife Deana of Numa; seven grandchildren, Andrea Singley and fiance Jeffrey DeWeese of Princeton, Mo., Rachel Singley of Oskaloosa, Beth Maddy and husband, Eric, of Des Moines, Jill Berner of Albia, Jon, Maria and April Davis of Numa; a great-grandson, Darby Morlan; a sister-in-law, Dolores Davis of Des Moines; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Dorothy DeVore of Corydon; several cousins; and other relatives and friends.
  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a loyal friend and a good neighbor.
  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery in Seymour.
  Friends may call at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour beginning at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

  Memorials may be given to the Mercy Hospice in Centerville.