Donald Dean Davis, Sr., 81, passed away at his home in Hebbronville, Texas on February 4, 2022. “Dean” to friends, “Pappy” to family, was born September 11, 1940, to PVT John C. and Pearl Arnold Davis in Ardmore, Okla. and was the fourth of six children. He was very proud of his father’s accomplishments including two bronze stars and a Purple Heart.
Pappy joined the Oklahoma National Guard at an early age, received his GED and on November 12, 1958, and joined the US Army. He was stationed overseas and although he missed seeing Elvis Presley by only a few minutes, he still had fond memories shared with lifelong friends like Snuffy and Novak, whom he enjoyed talking to whenever he got the chance. Even in his old age, when he spoke of his time in the Army, Pappy would sit up just a little bit taller and spoke with a strong sense of pride of serving his country like his father.
When Pappy returned home, he saw the prettiest girl he had ever seen on a front porch while driving around with his sister. After making an embarrassing U-turn into the ditch and meeting her, he later told his sister “I’m going to marry that girl.” On September 2, 1961, in Ardmore, Okla., Pappy made Patsy Ruth Lollis his “bride.” Every wedding anniversary he would buy her a rose for each year they were married. They were married sixty roses.
Together they raised three sons and spent many years living all over the United States until they decided to settle down in Hebbronville. A true family man, their dream home was built with plenty of space for his boys to make memories and anything his bride asked for, including a mountain Lion, Susie.
Along with his friend, Bill McKnight, Pappy started Red Mule Drilling in 1979 and later became sole owner of Cinco E. Inc. He was very passionate about his business and passed his work ethic and knowledge to all three of his sons whom he was very proud of.
Pappy was a grandfather like no other, often going out of his way to make sure his grandchildren knew that they were loved. Whether it was never missing a weekend visit, picking up a run-a-way, or sponsoring a team with the shortest t-ball career (one game) player, his goal was to make sure that if any of his grandchildren were in his care, they would have the best childhood.
Pappy loved his Oklahoma land and his cattle along with updates from his nephew, Vent Lollis. Those that knew Pappy were well aware of his quick wit and wise cracks. Every time a new calf was born, he would tell his bride to get the Sears and Roebuck catalog out and buy something. Although his absence leaves a tremendous void, it is hard to stay sad with the lifetime of happy memories he left behind. To quote his favorite song “So long, it’s been good to know you.”
Pappy is preceded in death by his father, John C. Davis, and mother Pearl Arnold Davis; siblings Timey Joy Champion, Susie Tims, Bobbly Glenn, and Roger Max; and grandson, Ronnie Jo.
He is survived by his bride, Patsy Ruth Lollis Davis; sons Donald, Stan, Steve (Marivel). His Tootsiebell, Stephanie Dawn; grandchildren Donald Dean Davis III “Donnie” (Ashley), Kevin, Kristi Lynn, Timothy, Shay, James Dean “JD;” great grandchildren Haley, Amethyst Jade Davis, Amanda Davis, Nicolas Davis, Donald Dean Davis IV, Mila “Sadie Belle,” Justin Michael and Jemma; and his brother, Steven William “Bill “Davis (Wanda Gaye).
Visitation as held Friday, February 11, 2022 at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Graveside service was on Saturday February 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Lone Cedar Cemetery in Mannsville, Oklaa. Eric Dennis officiated the service. Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
Casket Bearers were Vent Lollis, Bud Lollis, Donnie Davis, Craig Lollis, Laney Lollis, CD Hale, Timothy Davis and JD Davis.