Don Carlos Davis died Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, of pulmonary
fibrosis, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 84.
Don Carlos Davis died Friday, Sept. 3, 2004, of pulmonary fibrosis, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 84.
Born on April 19, 1920, in Portland, Ore., to Lynettie Cowley and Robert Andrew Davis. He was raised in Portland where he first met his wife of 32 years, Laverne (Vernie) Almeda Donna Chaney. He was a world traveler and his most recent residences were Castroville and St. Petersburg, Fla. He was a 18 year resident of Gilroy.
Mr. Davis served as a paratrooper in World War II fighting across Europe with the 82nd Airborne, the 517th and the 17th Regiment. He was awarded the Purple Heart and many other battle ribbons.
He worked as a real estate broker, licensed commercial pilot, ham radio operator and master tool and die maker. He loved to learn new things and was constantly tinkering and inventing to make things better.
After “retiring” he began his sailing career aboard his beloved “Tinker’s Belle.” His journey began in the coastal California waters.
He was based out of Moss Landing before moving on to San Diego. He set sail for South America in 1996 and spent three years among the beautiful waters of Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and the Caribbean.
He finally “settled” in St. Petersburg, Fla. He collected new friends wherever he went. He gave his all and lived life to the fullest.
Mr. Davis was a loyal, devoted husband to Vernie, who preceded him in death in 1978. He was the loving father of three children and two step-children, many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. In his later years, he loved to gather his family together to catch up on their lives and revel in their successes. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his first wife, Mary Ferrante, daughter, Mary S. Davis (Anneka) of Castroville; son, Gary G. Garvoille (Lorene) of Sandy, Utah; daughter, Judy J. Mederios (Helly) of Henderson, Nev.; daughter, Michele L. Knight (Jesse) of Holladay, Utah; and son, Michael L Davis (Carolyn) of Sandy, Utah.
A memorial service was held to honor and remember his life with family and friends Tuesday, in the Chapel at the V.A. Hospital, Palo Alto.
Funeral and internment with full Military Honors will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 10600 S. 1700 E., Sandy, Utah, at 2pm Friday, September 10, 2004. In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Lung Association would be appropriate.
Online condolences: mi********@***ar.net.
