Don Davis

Don Davis

Don Davis, age 87, a man of the greatest generation known, rode off to greener pastures on April 2, 2010.

Born of pioneer stock, Don was a true patriot, buckaroo, hero and friend to everyone who knew him.

Don was born December 10, 1922 in Canyonville, Oregon to Perle and Hilda Davis. When Don was six years old the Davis family moved to an 80-acre dairy farm near Kuna. In 1934, the family homesteaded 120 acres in the Ridgeview area near Homedale. Don and his brother Gene stayed out of school for one year to help clear brush. Don graduated from Adrian High School in 1942. Immediately after graduation, he joined the Army, February 26, 1943, serving in the 11th Airborne Infantry Division as a paratrooper. Don made 5 qualifying jumps in the states before going to New Guinea, where he made four more jumps. His group was responsible for freeing over 2100 American prisoners at Los Banos in Manilla. The rescued prisoners said it looked like angels coming out of the sky. Consequently his outfit was called "The Angels." Don received a purple heart after being shot by a sniper along with a bronze star for his courageous service.

After returning from the war, Don partnered with his father on their homestead in Ridgeview. In 1948 Don met Pat Adams, a Homedale girl, while he was getting a trim at the local barbershop. The two were married October 20, 1949 in Winnemucca, NV.

Don, along with his father and brother Gene, purchased land holdings in Little Valley. By 1950 the Davis brothers consolidated all their properties, along with rangeland, and formed Bruneau Cattle Company.

Don and Pat believed it was important to raise their family on the ranch. Judy Ann, William Joe and Kenneth Ray grew up working on the farm alongside their parents, where they still are today.

Don was a vital member of his community, county and the cattle industry. He made contributions to Owyhee County through the Selective Service, the Planning Board, the Fair Board and the Land Use Planning Committee. He was a member of the Bruneau American Legion Post 83 for 64 years and a lifetime member and former president of the Owyhee Cattlemen's Association. He served 22 years as the Owyhee County Commissioner.

Don is preceded in death by his son Bill, his parents Perle & Hilda Davis, brothers Bob & Gene Davis and sister Francie Newman. He is survived by his wife Pat, daughter Judy (Bill) McBride, son Ken, brother Frank and his wife Tally Davis, brother Dick and his wife Joyce Davis, sister in-law Letty Davis, and a very special friend Debbie Peterman. Don leaves behind five grandchildren Kasey (Muffy) McBride, Keri (Kasey) Garrett, Sarah (Jeff) Carothers, Cassie (Rigo) Farfan, Kelli (Brody) Prow, and 14 great grandchildren with one more expected this week.

The services were held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at the Bruneau American Legion Hall and a private family committal service was held at the Bruneau Cemetery in Bruneau.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bruneau American Legion Post #83 at 29776 Davis Road, Bruneau, Idaho 83604.