Robert Luther Davis Sr.

Robert Luther Davis Sr. was born on July 4, 1932, in Tunica, Mississippi, to Kallie and Luther Davis. He later moved to Collinsville, Illinois, and eventually to East St. Louis. There, he attended school and graduated from Lincoln High School. He was later drafted into the Army where he served two years.

After returning home, he attended Southern Illinois University, after which he returned to the Army and was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. In 1957, he met and married the love of his life, Leila Jeanette Banks. They resided in San Antonia, Texas, until the early 1970s.

While stationed at Ft. Sam Houston, he was given orders to go to Korea, Ft. Polk, Turkey, Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri, and Vietnam twice. Eventually he was stationed to Ft. Hood Texas, as his family moved with him.

Robert retired from the military after serving 22 years. His medals and awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, two Certificates of Service in Vietnam, two Commanders Awards for Civilian Service, Superior Civilian Service Award, Certificates of Recognition for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, a Certificate of Recognition for 30 years of Government Service, and Exceptional Performance as a Mail Clerk of Director of Logistics in Administration.

After retirement from the military, he was head chef at the Holiday Inn, later working Civil Service for eight years, until he retired once more.

Robert was also an avid bowler, a part-time disc jockey, and he became a member and deacon of the Pershing Park Baptist Church in later years.

Robert survived the death of his beloved wife, Leila Jeanette Davis, after 54 years of marriage. Left alive is his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Anderson, of Moline, Illinois; son, Robert Luther Davis Jr., of Palmer, Alaska; Michael Stanley Davis of Arlington, Texas and Curtis Christopher Davis of Crowley, Texas. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Doris Marie Davis and Monica Alice Carruthers. He will be missed by many.