Ellis Oakes Davis

Ellis Oakes Davis Jr., age 86 of Battle Creek, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 29, 2022. He was born in Brownsville, Texas on October 24, 1935, the son of Ellis Oakes and Elma (Hannan) Davis Sr. Ellis received his teaching certificate from Ohio State University and his BA and M.Ed. from the University of Michigan. Ellis retired from Battle Creek Public Schools in 1994 after more than 34 years as a teacher.

Ellis married Frances Ruth Purser in Battle Creek on June 19, 1965; she sadly preceded him in death on July 27, 2011. He is survived by his son, Stephen E. Davis of Battle Creek; his daughter, Julia A. (Dennis) Farmer of Knoxville, Tennessee and his grandsons, Lennon Farmer and River Farmer. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard; and a sister, Maybelle Beaucond.

Ellis and Frances attended the Barn Theatre for 55 seasons. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and was also very active with Junior Achievement over the years. In the earlier years, he enjoyed model trains and painting. Ellis also enjoyed running, gardening, reading and traveling.

At the request of the family, they will receive friends 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 5th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a memorial service to celebrate his life begin at 3:00 p.m. The service will be Live-streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/755653812/47681a443a. Memorials made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.