Arthur Webster Davis
September 8, 1923 - July 5, 2014
Obituary
Arthur (Pete) Webster Davis
September 8, 1923 – July 5, 2014
Devoted Husband, Loving Father, Grandfather and Friend
Arthur (Pete) Webster Davis went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday morning, July 5, 2014. His departure from this earth was just as he wanted, quick and in his sleep.
Dad was born to Henry and Annie Lou Davis on September 8, 1923 in Fitzgerald, GA. He was the youngest of 6 children and the ages of his siblings when he was born were Harold (19), Ralph (17), Lloyd (14), Hazel (12), Dorothy (8). Dad was nicknamed Pete by his family, and that is what he went by most of his life.
Dad was named valedictorian of his high school graduating class and he believes that is the only reason he ended up at Georgia Tech University where, after serving in World War II, he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was the only member of his family to obtain a college degree. He worked for General Motors, Allison Division, in Indianapolis, Indiana where he was introduced to a beautiful lady named Mary Rabourn. They went on their first date Memorial Day weekend of 1951 and were married in October of the same year. They were married for 62 years and raised son Alan and daughter Suzi.
Mom and Dad lived in Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and Alabama through his various work assignments, but one Boeing transfer took them to Seattle over the Christmas holiday of 1968-69, and the adventure of that trip is a story repeated every year in the Davis household. They found a home to rent in Normandy Park, and 3 years later purchased a home they lived in for 42 years until their move to Judson 6 weeks ago.
Dad retired from Boeing in 1987, after 29 years, and was retired for almost as long as he worked for the company. Mom and Dad attended John Knox Presbyterian Church and were very active while they were able to attend and Dad served as a deacon. Dad loved college football, golf, calligraphy, playing on the computer and staying pretty tech savvy.
Pete is survived by his wife, Mary, son Alan (Jane), daughter Suzi, and granddaughters Laura (Aaron) and Becky.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, July 20th at 3:00 pm at Judson Park Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Des Moines Food Bank.