Wayne Davis

A strong, hardworking, and fun-loving man, Wayne Davis was an extraordinary person to know and love. He was never one to focus on what he had, rather, he was forever looking for ways he could give to those around him. A loving husband and dedicated father, Wayne was so proud of his family that grew to include the grandchildren who made him so very proud. Life was not without times of trial, however, he faced whatever came his way with courage and strength that were truly inspiring. Wayne will be deeply missed, but the memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

Although WWII had been gaining momentum since it officially began in 1939, it wasn’t until the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that it became a reality for the United States. War was declared the following day, which sent countless young servicemen and women overseas to fight for the cause. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods such as rubber, paper, coffee, and sugar while manufacturing was focused on supporting the war effort. It was just a short time before that dark day in December that a bustling family from Ashland Township, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on March 2nd of that same year. Wayne A. was the youngest of 12 children, although he also had a twin who died at birth. His earliest years were spent in Ashland Township near Grant where his father was a farmer who also worked as an engineer for the railroad while his mother worked at Gerber Foods. As is so often the case, Wayne was responsible for his fair share of farm chores.

At the young age of nine Wayne was given a tough pill to swallow with the death of both of his parents. From that point on he moved between some homes within the family. Always willing to work hard, Wayne delivered milk from Muskegon to the Otsego area as a young man.

It was while living in the home of Bessie Livingston in Otsego that Wayne met the love of his life. Her name was Barbara Schelb, and she was Bessie’s granddaughter. They met on a blind date, however, they were not each other’s date as she was his buddy’s date. However, Wayne got his chance with Barbara once his buddy was called back to Germany with the military. He asked Barb on a date, and the rest is history as they say. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Wayne and Barb were married in the mid-sixties.

A bit later Wayne and Barb became parents. They were blessed with three children altogether including Kevin, Jeff, and Brian, however, they were deeply saddened with Jeff’s death in 1996. With a desire to provide his children with the things he wasn’t able to have while growing up, Wayne worked hard throughout his life. He spent 19 years working as a millwright for James River during the day and then doing other jobs after hours. Wayne later worked for and retired from Steelcase. He was also involved in the lives of his children in a variety of ways. Wayne was there to support them in everything they did, and he came to their sporting events and activities whenever he could. Together he and his boys built a cottage on the Muskegon River in Grant that was Wayne’s favorite place to be.

As someone who liked to be busy, Wayne was a man of many interests. He was a jack of all trades who was often working on something whether for himself or to help someone else. Wayne loved snowmobiling and also made the most of the winter months by plowing snow. He did enjoy traveling with both Alaska and Arizona being among his favorite destinations. When it came to music he was a fan of classic country and Johnny Cash as well.

When reflecting on the life of Wayne Davis, qualities such as dedicated, hardworking, and jack of all trades come to mind, however, the word that appeared most heavily woven throughout his tapestry in time is generous. The people around him were first and foremost in his life as he would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Wayne was friendly and outgoing with a contagious zest for life. He was a self-made man whose family was the driving force behind his hard work. Wayne leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow him.

Wayne A. Davis, of Kalamazoo, died on Friday, October 17, 2014. Wayne is survived by his wife, Barbara; two sons: Kevin Davis, of Mattawan and Brian (Cathy) Davis, of Wyoming; five grandchildren: Tyler, Olivia, Amanda, Caitlyn, Kelsee; two brothers: Morris (Evelyn) Davis, of Grant and Buddy Davis, of CA. Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Jeff Davis; and nine siblings. The family will receive friends on Monday from 4-7 p.m., with a scripture service at 6:30 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (269-685-5881). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church. Burial at Hillside. Please visit Wayne’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook and share a photo and/or memory. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association and/or Paws with a Cause.