Elmer Davis

Elmer Davis, age 89, of Albia, IA, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Elmer was born on October 1, 1932, to Charlie and Mary Jane (South) Davis at their home in Albia. He grew up attending school in Albia and graduated with the class of 1951. Following school, Elmer served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. On October 23, 1953, he was united in marriage to Eileen Stafford at the First Christian Church in Albia and to this union, 3 sons were born, Michael, Kevin, and Chris. Elmer and Eileen shared 68 years of marriage prior to his passing. Elmer worked at John Morrell & Company Meat Packing Plant in Ottumwa, IA, for 20 years. Upon the plant’s closing, he became an apprentice electrician under Donnie Kraber at Kraber Electric in Albia. He later went to work for Musco Lighting in Oskaloosa until his retirement. Elmer was a member of the First Christian Church and the American Legion Howard Cessna Post #136 in Albia. He was generous with his time, volunteering for the Albia Fire Department for many years, coaching Little League teams, and was a past President and volunteer at Eslinger Cemetery. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, was an avid Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs fan, and enjoyed watching Westerns. He and Eileen loved square dancing and traveling and were members of the Wapello Travelin’ Sams Camping Club. For the past 20 years, they have wintered in St. Petersburg, FL, allowing them to be close to their sons, Kevin and Chris. While there, Elmer loved visiting St. Petersburg College as a volunteer patient for the physical therapy students. Elmer’s true joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. Elmer is survived by his wife, Eileen Davis of Albia; 2 sons, Kevin (Deb) Davis and Chris Davis, both of Largo, FL; a daughter-in-law, J.J. Davis of Melcher Dallas; and several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Wayne Davis; his parents, Charlie and Mary Jane Davis; his siblings, Charlie, Alice, Mae, Katherine, Harry, John, Robert, Claire, and a sister in infancy; and 3 beloved shih tzus, Ming, Chu and Cookie. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Elmer’s family present to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Brad Gray officiating and military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. A private family burial will be held at Eslinger Cemetery at a later date. A memorial has been established to Eslinger Cemetery, the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia, or a charitable organization of your choice.

Elmer Davis

October 1, 1932 - September 26, 2022