Dennis W. Davis

 Dennis W. Davis, age 74, of Saddlebrooke, passed away peacefully at his home on November 25, 2024. He was born on April 7, 1950, in Highlandville, Missouri, to Wilford and Vivian (Whitlock) Davis.

 Dennis answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army in 1967. As a brave and dedicated helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, he flew Huey gunships, delivering personnel and ammunition to active battle zones. In one remarkable day, Dennis was shot down three times, demonstrating unwavering courage and resilience. He was a proud member of the First Cavalry Division, which remains active to this day. After his service in Vietnam, Dennis played a crucial role in advancing military technology by working on Apache helicopters and contributing to the development of night vision goggles. He retired from the Army in 1989, concluding a distinguished military career.

Following his military service, Dennis worked as a truck driver and later joined IWX Trucking in Springfield, where he remained until his retirement. In 1995, Dennis met Lynda Long at a dance, and they were united in marriage in 2000.

Dennis was a man of strong community spirit. He was a Mason and a Shriner, and a member of the Abu Ben Adhem Shrine in Springfield. He enjoyed a life filled with boating, dancing, and cherished moments with family and friends.

 Dennis is survived by his wife Lynda; two sons, Joshua Davis of Key West, FL, and Joseph Davis of Springfield, MO; his daughter, Lisa Remsberger of Wakefield, SC; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Marvonne Clower and Teresa Wilson, along with her husband Jerry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Vivian Davis, and his brother Edward Davis.

Dennis will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of bravery, innovation, and love for his family will be remembered always.

The family has requested that no flowers be delivered to the family's residence or the cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Honor Flight of the Ozarks. www.honorflightoftheozarks.org.

A 15-minute committal service will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with full military honors and Masonic funeral rites by Dale Roller.