Daniel Ray Davis

Daniel Ray Davis, age 74 of Mt. Vernon, Missouri went to his heavenly home on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Danny was born on July 25, 1950, in Springfield, Missouri to his parents Dave and Esther Davis.  

Danny grew up in Nixa, Missouri. He loved to fish (especially gigging for suckers), ride horses, operate heavy equipment, watch old western movies, preach to anyone who would listen, and in later years loved to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and play games on his computers.  

In his junior and senior years at Nixa High School, Danny was very active with the Agriculture Department and FFA. He was proud of his registered Herford, Silver Lady. He showed her for two years and won “Reserved Grand Champion” at the Ozark Empire Fair.  

As a teenager Danny started working with his father at Davco Welding. He learned to weld, repair and operate heavy equipment. At the age of 18, Danny was drafted and joined the Navy Seabees. During his time with the Navy, Danny was stationed in Michigan, Rhode Island, California, Vietnam and Tennessee. Danny returned from Vietnam with what was called a “Billy Goat Beard.” At that time, short hair and clean shaved was the normal for our Armed Services. His mother couldn't wait to hug him no matter what was on his face. 

 After serving the country, Danny returned to Nixa, Missouri and worked with his father and married Beverly Dunn. For the next number of years, he worked alongside his father and then left to work with Harold Dulin Construction, which assisted in the creation of Fremont Hills Golf Course. 

At age 35, Danny was diagnosed with a mental illness. The diagnosis was a challenge for Danny and family members. It was a new era of life that all involved had to learn how to navigate through. We didn't talk much about mental illness in the 80's and for sure didn't have the medications and knowledge we do today.  

Danny spent over 25 years at Lakeside Mountain Manor and the last five plus years at the Missouri Veteran's Home. During his time at Lakeside, Danny participated with Special Olympics and won medals in track and field. He became a caregiver for another resident and her mom and was so loving with each of them. They became his little family. Danny was known as “Pops” at Lakeside. As his health started to decline, he was transferred to the Missouri Veteran's Home. The family is so thankful for that move. Danny's service in Vietnam was finally appreciated. He learned that our Vietnam Veterans are heroes to so many Americans. Danny didn't make the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam, but he did pay the price in so many ways for serving in War. 

The family wants to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Lakeside Mountain Manor and the Missouri Veteran's Home in Mt. Vernon. You all made his life special in so many ways. 

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Esther Davis; his grandparents, Theodore and Frieda Bastian, Adena and Ethel Davis. 

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Kendrick and a brother-in-law Jim Kendrick. 

A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., January 14, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, Missouri. Interment will follow the visitation at Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors at 11:00 a.m. 

 Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers and support for Danny and his family. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.