Herbert W. Davis

Herbert W. Davis, 86, passed away Friday, August 14, 2015, in Wichita Falls. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 21, 2015, at First Baptist Church of Iowa Park with Pastor Glen Pearce and Rev. Edward Downing officiating. Graveside services will follow at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls.

Herb was born on March 6, 1929, in Lockney, Texas to Zephaniah and Johnnie (Harris) Davis. He was raised on a farm in Clarendon. He started school in a two room school house outside of Clarendon for elementary, then went to Clarendon schools. Herb received his Associates Degree from Clarendon Junior College and graduated from Wayland Baptist University in Plainview with his Bachelor of Science Degree. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, joining in 1950 where he served four years. He then returned as a civilian for 32 years, working as an instructor and ended his career as a Chief Training Director of Civil Engineering at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, retiring in 1986.

Herb met Freda Gumpert while on visitation for Central Baptist Church in Wichita Falls in 1954. They were married on January 2, 1955, in Wichita Falls and were married 52 years prior to her passing in 2007. Herb was very active in the church, serving 15 years as a music director at a church in Wichita Falls, was ordained as a Deacon in 1963, served as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, was a member of the choir, and was involved in building and mission trips with First Baptist Church of Iowa Park. He was also a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees and delivered Meals on Wheels to the shut-ins of the community. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to his family.

Herb is preceded in death by his wife; his parents; and his brothers, Zephaniah Davis, Jr., Colvern Davis, and Jerry Davis.

Surviving relatives include his two sons, Stephen Davis and his wife, Sandi of Fort Worth, Texas; Phillip Davis and his wife, Lisa of Collierville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Kellie Sapio of Spring, Texas; Tyler and Jamie Davis of Fort Worth, Texas; Patrick Davis of Clarksville, Tennessee; and Dylan and Dawson Davis of Collierville, Tennessee; sisters-in-law, Doris Gumpert of Duncanville, Texas; Dorothy Davis of Lamesa, Texas; Betty Davis of Amarillo; and Betty Davis of Benton, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews; and also survived by his long-time companion, his dog Spanky.

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Iowa Park.