MM. Location: V-Eichelberger

Born: December 14, 1917 Kaufman County, Texas

Died: March 17, 2006 Waco, McLennan County, Texas

Parents:
Robert Neblett Davis (1879 – 1972)
Ruby Etta Whatley Davis (1887 – 1970)

Spouse:
Helen Marie Knocke Davis (1924 – 2011)

Children:
Robert Neblett Davis (1947 – 1951)

Robert “Bob” Neblett Davis Jr., 88, a longtime resident of China Spring and Waco, passed away Friday, March 17, 2006. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, at 11 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey with Pastor Norm Steinke officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2006. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Bob was the son of the late Robert Neblett Davis, Sr. and Ruby Etta (Whatley) Davis, and was born on the family’s farm near Dallas, Texas, in Kaufman County. He lived most of his life in the central Texas area. In 1937, he entered the U.S. Marines 4th Division and was stationed in numerous areas of the Pacific during World War II. He was selected for Officer’s Training and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his meritorious service while serving as Communications Officer and Intelligence Officer on Iwo Jima. His unceasing devotion to duty, initiative and fearless leadership were in keeping with the highest tradition of the U. S. Marine Corps. Colonel Davis remained in the Marine Reserves until his retirement in 1959. He continued to serve in the federal government with the Federal Aviation Administration which took him to several places in the state of Texas. He retired after 45 years of service to the United States government as Assistant Chief of the FAA. After retiring, he took a position at Texas State Technical College working in the control tower for an additional ten years. On July 10, 1946, he married Helen Marie Knocke in Dallas, Texas. The newlyweds then moved to El Paso where Bob was active in numerous civic leadership positions. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran church and a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waco. After retirement, he enjoyed his love of pecans and his pecan orchard. He was a member of the McLennan Horticultural Association for several years and took pride in winning numerous awards for his pecans. He was a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 4180) serving as Commander, along with several other positions. He was also a member of the Coodies (Post 6008), and The China Spring Lions Club. He had a passion for golf and was a member of the Senior Golf Association in Waco until his health declined. Because of his love for his fellow veterans, he served as a volunteer at the Waco VA for many years and enjoyed helping others there as long as he could. He spoke with the highest regard for the Waco VA – the nurses, the doctors and all the other staff affiliated with the Waco VA.

Bob was preceded in death by his son, Robert Neblett Davis, III; brothers, Charles W. Davis and Wiley E. Davis, Sr.; sisters, Virgie Davis Matthews and Roberta Davis; and a grandson, Nathen Robert Davis who died at birth in 2000.

Survivors include his wife, Helen M. Davis: son, Stan W. Davis and wife, Jimmie, of Houston; daughter, Mary D. Schumann and husband, Jim, of Woodway; granddaughter, Sunnee Davis Lange Schumann; and numerous nephews; and a niece, Lissa Davis, of Denver, Colorado.