Paul Francis Davis

Paul was born in Ottumwa, Iowa to his parents, John Davis Sr. & Elsie Elizabeth Bruder Davis & two older brothers, John Davis Jr. and Robert Davis. He was a wonderful man who approached life with humor, positivity, kindness, & a smile for all. He often recounted joyful stories of squirrel shooting, causing mischief, & family meals with his grandparents that were filled with love. Life became more difficult when Robert was KIA & John was POW during World War II. Paul served as a 1st Lt. in the Army Artillery at the end of the Korean War after attending Iowa State University where he obtained a Bachelors in Industrial Engineering. He was proud to serve his country.
After being honorably discharged, Paul married his beloved wife, Nancy & had two daughters, Kimberly and Courtney. He spent his 35-year career as a project engineer for Boeing, United Airlines, and Abbot Laboratory. While working, he also obtained his MBA from Northern Illinois University.
After retiring in 1993, Paul received recognition from the Air and Space Smithsonian for his contributions on the first 707 airplane jet engine. He and Nancy moved from the Midwest to their dream home in Sun City West, AZ & was an active member & past president in the Sun City West Photography & Republican Clubs. Paul also participated in the Korean War & American Legion Clubs nearby. He was a national past president of the Sons of the American Revolution & tirelessly worked with Nancy on their family’s genealogy. He offered his time to elementary schools giving demonstrations using his Civil War artifacts & clothing. Paul was a congregation member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
While his military and professional achievements were many, his heart was the best part about him. He loved to laugh, enjoy a sweet or two, spend time as a family, & gave the absolute best hugs. Often, he would share words of wisdom such as: when one door closes, a window opens; or keep your eye upon the donut and not upon the hole. He credited his extended time on this Earth to being by the Grace of God. He quietly departed this Earth on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 and was proceeded in death by his brothers John Davis of Ottumwa, IA and Robert Davis of Ottumwa, IA; and his wife Nancy Webber Davis of Sun City West, AZ. He is survived and will be missed greatly by his two daughters: Kimberly Watson of Sun City West, AZ and Courtney Zimmerman of Marengo, Illinois; grandchildren: Elizabeth Fierro of Gilroy, CA, Victoria Chalk of McKinney, TX, August Zimmerman of Lake of the Hills, IL, Katherine Watson of Dallas, TX, Clayton Zimmerman of Whitewater, WI, Gage Zimmerman of Whitewater, WI and great grandchildren: Elena Fierro, Nolan Fierro, Henry Zimmerman, Henry Chalk, Hallie Zimmerman and Owen Chalk.