Robert F Davis

Robert Floyd Davis, (Major, USAF, RET.) 88 years old, passed away in his sleep on September 3, 2023. Born April 12, 1935 in East Liverpool, OH to Dorothy (Mort) & Floyd Davis. He was proceeded in death by his mother, father, & brothers Ronald, James, and Jackie. He is survived by his former spouse, three sons, daughter, 12 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

As a young man, Bob had a real love of flying. He worked in a bowling alley setting pins for 10 cents a frame before they had automatic pin setters. He would save his weekly wages and then spend every dime on a single flying lesson. He received his pilot license in a Piper J-3 Cub.

Influenced heavily by World War II and the rapid expansion of aviation, he left Indiana Technical College to join the USAF’s Aviation Cadet Training program. He received his commission in 1954. During his 20-year military career, he flew several types of aircraft, including fighters, transports, and refuelers. Bob served two tours in the Republic of South Viet Nam and was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious service in aerial flight. In addition to the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bob’s military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal and the Combat Readiness Medal.

After retiring from the USAF in 1972, Bob made his home in Peru, Indiana and pursued a variety of interests, including: farming, commodities broker, real estate developer, commercial airline pilot, law school, and aircraft repair.

Bob was known as many things, some flattering (pilot, veteran, farmer, engineer and lifelong learner) and some not so flattering (scrooge, shyster, slumlord, workaholic, and other more colorful names); we just called him dad.

A graveside service for Robert F. Davis will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday October 6, 2023 at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, IN.  with Chaplain Kevin Conklin officiating.  Military honors will be provided by members of the Miami County Military Rites Unit.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made through the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru to the Miami County Military Rites Unit.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert F Davis, please visit our floral store.