no picture available

 Lenton Everal Davis

November 25, 1937 - October 23, 2020

Lenton Everal Davis was born Nov. 25, 1937, in Decatur to Lenton Everal Davis Sr. and Eva Viola (Lyght) Davis. He passed away Oct. 24, 2020, at Sierra Vista Hospital in Truth or Consequences, N.M.

Lenton was a member of Decatur High School’s Class of 1957. On Sept. 6, 1958, he was united in marriage to Maureen R. Bakke at the Onawa United Methodist Church, Onawa, Iowa. To this union were born three children: RoseAnn, Debora Sue, and Leonard. Lenton and Maureen divorced in 1964.

In 1968, Lenton married Karen Miller. Together, they had one son, Scottie. They lived in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, before moving to Salix, Iowa.   In 1976, Lenton enrolled in Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, Iowa, where he was an excellent student, earning a college diploma in heavy equipment in May 1978.

Lenton worked many jobs in his life and was employed by the Iowa Department of Transportation in the Riverside Shop, Sioux City, for many years until his retirement. He was a member of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, at one time serving as a member of the team that negotiated union contracts with the State of Iowa. After retiring from IDOT, he drove a truck for Sioux City Milk Producers/Mid-American Dairymen.

In the early 2000s, it was recommended he live somewhere that did not have Iowa’s humidity and temperature variances. He and Karen moved to Williamsburg, N.M., where they made their home until his death.   Lenton came from a family of much music and that love stayed with him. He played guitar and dobro with local musicians who shared his joy in old fashioned country and gospel music.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Kelly Davis, and one niece.  Lenton is survived by his wife, Karen; two brothers George and Charlie; one sister Mary (Gene) Steinman; daughters RoseAnn A. Davis (R. P. Kunzman) and Debora Sue McNeese (Monte Fansler); two sons Leonard Davis and Scottie Davis; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

(Information taken from 50th Alumni Booklet May 2007.  Please send an e-mail to update information at any time.) 

Spouse:  Karen Miller

Children:  Scottie Davis, Roseanne Davis and Debbie McNeese

Grandchildren: 1 Grandson, Deceased and 2 other grandsons.

     I worked many jobs in my earlier years.  I went back to Tec. College in 1976.  I graduated from there at Sheldon, Iowa (2 year college).

     I went to work for the Iowa Department of Transportation and retired from there also.

     I am now in New Mexico, due to health reasons.  I love it here.  The weather is beautiful!!!

     I play music  on the "Dobro" whenever I have the chance.  I played at many Country Music festivals while I was still in Iowa.  Here in New Mexico we get together and have music jams whenever possible.  I play at church each Sunday morning.  I was raised in a family of much music and therefore, I still have the love to continue to play whenever I can.

Updated 4/4/09