David Joseph (Dave) Davis, 48, died Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS.
Dave was born October 15, 1966 in Broken Bow, Nebraska, to Kenneth R Davis and Donna Schulte Davis. The first of four boys, Dave spent his formative years in the Sandhillls of Nebraska. In November, 1979, the Davis' moved to Kirwin, Kansas, where Dave met many lifelong friends. In the spring of 1983, Dave moved in with Kenneth and Diane Stockman of rural Kirwin, where he spent his last years of high school, graduating from Eastern Heights in 1985.
After graduation, Dave went to work for Kyle Railroad as a machine operator until April 1987, when he experienced a serious pickup wreck that left him paralyzed. Dave's life changed but that did not stop him from pursuing a full life. He emerged a strong and outgoing individual who dedicated his life to his friends, many children, youth, and teens, and his family. Dave pursued a college education and graduated in 1996 from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology Studies with a Concentration in Industrial Technology. Dave worked towards a Master's Degree by continuing with graduate classes at Fort Hays State.
He lived in Hays for the remainder of his years.
Dave loved fast cars, loud music, and was an avid fan of Nascar legend Dale Earnhardt. He collected antiques, model cars, and many other types of memorabilia. He loved being surrounded by people, laughter and fun times.
He is survived by his Grandmother Schulte, of Omaha, NE., his parents, Kenneth R Davis of Colorado, Donna Davis of Manhattan, brother Daryl Davis and wife Chrissy of Grand Junction, Colorado, brother Doug and wife Sky of Kensington, Kansas, brother Dana of Grand Junction, Colorado, and sister Shelby Davis of Colorado.
Dave is also survived by guardians Kenneth and Diane Stockman of rural Kirwin, sister Jamie Opat of Wichita, and sister Melissa Johnson and husband Dan of rural Kirwin.
He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and many dear friends.
His service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25, at Olliff-Boeve Funeral Home, 1115 Second Street, Phillipsburg, KS. with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, rural Kirwin. Memorial contributions can be make to Hays Area Childrens Center and Tiger Tots.