Wallace (Wally) F. Davis, 92, of West Brooklyn died peacefully at the Rochelle Community Hospital on Dec. 1, 2014.
Wally had arranged for his remains to go to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. A
celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Compton Methodist Church (139
West Chestnut Street). Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. to be followed by a brief memorial
service.
Wally was born Jan. 27, 1922, in Sublette to Mabel and George Davis. He married Helen R. Arjes on September 28, 1940, in Clinton, Iowa. He is survived by his wife of West Brooklyn; three sons, Larry (Sue) of Milton, WI, Dave (Sandra) of Oregon, and Mike (Deana) of West Brooklyn; nine grandchildren, Holly, Nick, Heather, Kris, Sam, Shannon, James, Kyler, and Korey; 15 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Darlene (Lloyd) Merriman of Compton and Betty (John) Gehant of West Brooklyn. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Joy McClallen; and two grandsons, Jason Davis and Jon Davis.
Wally grew up in the Compton area. He served in the US Army during World War 2 in the infantry on the front lines in Europe. He was honored for his service including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Following the war, he returned to the Compton area where he delivered fuel and farm supplies for FS, served as shop foreman and maintenance mechanic for Lee County Highway Department, and later operated his own construction business building water ways and farm terraces.
Wally loved to fly and earned his private license on the GI bill. He constructed a runway and a fishing pond on his hobby farm where he hangered his airplanes. He made his home a place where all could come to fly, fish, ride ponies, play with his many pets, or just enjoy the solitude of nature. He enjoyed building a variety of motorized vehicles for his children and grandchildren. He had a reputation of being able to fix anything, which he often did and always without charge. His ready smile, generosity, and love of “all creatures great and small” will be missed by all.
Memorials may be directed to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois.
Some of the best times of my early life were spent at Uncle Wallys house. Such a good man in many ways..
Helen, and family, Sorry for your loss. Greg and my thoughts ans prayers are with you.