Roger Wilson Davis

Roger Wilson Davis, 91, of Trabuco Canyon CA died Friday, July 12 at Magnolia Center in Robinson after years of declining health.

Roger was born November 29, 1927 in Louisville, Kentucky to James Hubert and Anna Wilson Bell Davis. He grew up on the family farm in Washington County, Indiana near Livonia graduating from Salem High School in 1945. He was was raised by his grandparents, James Willam and Cordella Gilstrap Davis with invaluable contributions by his four Aunts, Ruby, Margie, Blanche and Mattie. He worked a survey crew for the state of Indiana after graduation, laying out what would become Interstate 65, from one end of the state to the opposite. He married Thelma Lyttle in 1950 and they had two children, Mike and Suzie. He joined the United States Air Force In 1952 and was honorably discharged December 1955. He then attended college at Tri-State University, now known as Trine University, in Angola IN, graduating with a degree in engineering in 1958. He was hired by Marathon Oil Company in 1958 and moved to Robinson IL. In 1971, he changed employment to Flour Construction and Engineering Co., and relocated to Orange County CA.  In April 1973 he married Donna Sue Glenn Fox and with daughters Susan and Jamie they built a life together in southern California.

As a project manager for both employers, Roger enjoyed success on many multi-dimensional assignments in countries all over the world including Germany, Venezuela, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.

An avid golfer, Roger was said to have had a single digit handicap at one time. He shot three hole in ones.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, four aunts and step granddaughter. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna Sue, son Michael “Mike” (Beth), daughters Suzanne “Suzie” Davis (Larry Nickell), Susan Theodorou (Paul Platamone), Jamie (Scott) Casey. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, both biological and acquired.

A visitation will be held Thursday July 18 from 5 - 6 pm CDT at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson IL. Funeral services will be held Saturday at Weathers Funeral Home, Salem, IN at 11 am EDT following a one hour visitation beginning at 10 AM EDT. Interment will be conducted at Kansas Church Cemetery, rural Salem IN immediately following, with military honors.