John R. Davis

John R. Davis, 91, of Kalamazoo and formerly of Battle Creek, died at home with his family at his side on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.

John Raymond Davis was born September 22, 1931 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Alonzo Judson and Alice Eleanor (Jones) Davis. John was raised in Battle Creek and was a 1949 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He then honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy. John earned his Bachelor's Degree in History from Olivet College in 1959. He was employed by Eaton Manufacturing for 32 years, retiring from Quality Control and Inspection in 1982.

John Raymond Davis and Laura Arlene Bennett were united in marriage on August 7, 1955 at Upton Avenue United Methodist Church. Surviving are his wife Laura; son, Scott Judson (Jeanne) Davis of Kalamazoo; daughter, Cynthia A. (David) Welker of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Jacob Judson (Ashley) Davis, Erin Davis, David (Liz) Welker, Jr., Nicholas Welker; five great-grandchildren, Kaiden Keiser, Connor Welker, Liam Welker, Nicholas Welker, Jr., Haley Welker; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. John was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Hugh Judson Davis.

John was a longtime member of Harmony Foundation International (Barbershoppers), Battle Creek Chapter. He attended the former Birchwood United Methodist Church. He was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to music. John will be remembered for the support of his wife and family in all their endeavors, his unique humor, family stories and his many friends at the Ritzee Roundtable.

John's family witnessed military honors presented by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard, prior to the presentation of the U.S. Flag to his wife, Laura; and his inurnment at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Olivet College Advancement Department (with notation "John Davis for Olivet Fund"), 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076; or Harmony Foundation International, 901 Broadway #24030, Nashville, TN 37202, www.harmonyfoundation.org/memorial-giving; or Battle Creek Regional History Endowment Fund, c/o Battle Creek Community Foundation, 32 W. Michigan Ave., Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017 https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4533.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.