Robert B. “Bob” Davis, 86, of rural Hiawatha, died Friday evening, April 7, 2017, at the Sabetha Manor.

Born October 15, 1930, at St. Joseph, MO, one of two children born to Albert and Ferne Syster Davis.  Bob wrote:  “After much deliberation, my parents brought me back to the farm home 2 ¼ miles east of Hiawatha where except for brief periods of time, I lived my entire life.   I suppose it could be said I didn’t get far in this world.”  Bob attended the LaGrange country school for 6 years prior to graduation from Hiawatha High School.

Robert belonged to the Mt. Zion Rustlers 4 H Club of Hiawatha.  While in 4 H, he constructed the first terrace on his parents’ farm and won the state soil conservation award.  He also accompanied the Brown County Soil Conservation Board as a winner of the Goodyear Soil Conservation award for outstanding work in Brown County.  The winners received a weeklong trip to Goodyear’s Litchfield Park in Phoenix, AZ.

Robert enlisted in the 2 BN, 130 FA, Kansas Army National Guard of Hiawatha, as a private, later received a commission and completed training as an army aviator in 1956, where he served for 12 years before being discharged.  He started flying when he was 20 and enjoyed this sport for over 53 years and received his commercial license in 1956.

Mr. Davis was a longtime member of Bethany United Church of Christ of Hiawatha where he served on the board, and as consistory president; BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge; the Hiawatha Lions Club; and had served on the Wolf River Watershed Board through the years.  Bob loved to help and do for others, especially those in need.

On July 3, 1955, he married Evelyn Crane from Powhattan.  To this union two children were born:  Greg and Kim.  The family farmed and operated a dairy on the same farm east of Hiawatha until he and Evelyn retired.  Evelyn survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children Gregory Davis (Diane), and Kimberly Neibling (Gary), all of Hiawatha; a sister Bette Lukert (John) of Sabetha; 6 grandchildren:  Ryan Davis, Jillian Hefner (Josh), Cody Neibling, Zach Perry, Allison Jackson (LaShawn), Rachel Henninger (Daniel); and 4 great-grandchildren:  Ty Jackson, Makayla Neibling, Neaka Henninger, and Draven Henninger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson Deivid Davis.

A Celebration of Bob’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 13, at Bethany United Church of Christ of Hiawatha, with Pastor Shane Spangler officiating.  Private inurnment will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.  Military honors a courtesy of Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family will meet friends from 6 until 7:30 Wednesday evening, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Robert Davis Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com