Jeffrey Merle Davis

Jeff Davis

Jeff Davis, 53, of Unionville, MO, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, November 6, 2011.
Jeffrey Merle Davis was born in Gary, IN, on November 30, 1957, the son of Merle Robert and Barbara J. (Michaels) Davis. He lived his youth years in Rockford, IL. Jeff joined the United States Army in 1975 and served at Ft. Campbell, KY, with the 101st Airborne Division. He was trained as a marksman and helicopter mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1976. He married Sherry Whelchel in 1976 and they later divorced. One child, Marc Anthony Davis, was born to this union and he survives in Rockford, IL.
Jeff received his A.A. degree in CAD (computer assisted design). Jeff was injured in a diving accident when he was 23 years of age and was left confined to a wheel chair. He maintained his warm and friendly personality and good attitude throughout. He had a “never say I can’t” philosophy of life and was open to any new adventure. He was a people person. Jeff worked at the Bullet Shop Gun Stop in Rockford, IL and in Hartford, MO. He moved to Unionville, MO, in 2005 at the encouragement of Jim Madison and thoroughly loved his new home. After a recent month-long stay in the hospital he was glad to get home to his adopted hometown.
Jeff was a gun collector and avid reader of books with a historical theme. He liked to learn and had a broad range of knowledge on a variety of subjects.
Jeff is also survived by his mother, Barbara Michaels, of Rockford, IL, and four grandchildren, Cody, Kendra, Owen, and Mattie Mae Davis. A brother, John Davis and wife Mary (Pickering) Davis, of Roscoe, IL, and two sisters, Joyce Davis-Lightheart and husband Leon of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Jeanette Davis-Reinhold and husband Bobby of Knoxville, TN, also survive, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Merle, in August of 1981.
A memorial service for Jeff Davis will be held at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Friday, November 11, 2011, at 2:00 pm. Burial of the cremains will follow in the Unionville Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials are suggested to Unionville American Legion Post #34 and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.