Joseph Davis Obituary

Joseph Wayne Davis passed away June 24, 2015 after a year and half long battle with cancer. Joe was born on July 5, 1963 in Torrance, CA to Margaret and Charles Davis. He and his family moved to Durango, CO when he was in the 1st grade. Growing up, Joe and his neighborhood friends loved the outdoors and the awe-inspiring natural playground that surrounded them - the San Juan Mountains and the Animas River - where he spent innumerable hours fishing, backpacking, camping, and golfing. Joe graduated from Durango Senior High School in 1981 where he played baseball, basketball, and ran cross country. He was awarded the Tom Halley award at DSHS in 1981.

Joe moved to Arizona after high school to play baseball at Mesa Community College. Most recently he owned and operated a successful appraisal business. Joe was always hard working, kind-hearted, and honest. His biggest joy was teaching and inspiring his sons and their teammates. He was a sports enthusiast of baseball, football, and golf; he always enjoyed a good hearted wager! Joe had a twinkle in his eye; one never knew what was coming next, but you could guess that it would be witty. That's one of the things Joe did best – make us all laugh!

Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart, Krista Olson Davis, and his sons, Drew and Derek, who were the apples of his eye. He loved being a father; spending time with his family was one of his greatest passions. He is also survived by his mother Margaret Davis, and 9 brothers and sisters. Liz (Tom) Knoll, Irl (Shirl) Davis, Marilyn (George) Kerker, Cai Davis, Charlene Davis, Mary (Scott) Hoch, Jim (Rose) Davis, Tom Davis, and Chris (Lisa) Davis. He is survived by his Aunt Verna and Uncle Dean Anderson, Aunt Lorna Davis, cousins and many nieces and nephews with whom he loved to play practical jokes on. Joe was a beloved member of the Olson family, survived by Krista's parents, Don and Geri Olson, and sisters and brothers, Andrea (Don) Thomsen, Darcy (Brad) Wicks, Lucia Olson, Matt Olson, Pete (Kendra) Olson. He will also be missed by a very important group of childhood friends from Durango, CO; as well as close friends from Arizona. Joe is preceded in death by his father Charles Davis.

Joe enjoyed a fantastic birthday celebration on July 5th with many friends! A celebration of life will be held at a later date. So many friends were extremely generous and kind to our family during his illness; please pay it forward in honor of Joe, as that is what he would want.