Donald Davis
Donald “Duck” Davis, of Chardon, Ohio, died peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 30, 2026, at Reserve Care Hospice in Euclid, Ohio. He was 85.
Donald is survived by his four children: daughter Alisha (Jeff) Gifford, of Chardon, Ohio, son Donald Davis, of Kirtland, Ohio, daughter Kristy (Angelo) Filla, of Chardon, Ohio, and daughter Heather (Daniel) Watson, of Beavercreek, Ohio; grandchildren, Jennifer (Derrick) Doyle, Joshua (Katrina) Gifford, Samuel Watson, Benjamin Watson, Holden Davis, Angelo Christopher (A.J.) Filla, Harper Davis and Hazel Davis; great-grandchildren, Liam Doyle, Brody Doyle and Finn Doyle.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Dolores June (nee Riggs) Davis; his parents, John Pat Davis and Helen (nee Gilman) Davis; and his sisters, Imojean Spencer and Patricia Ann “Trishann” Mullins.
Donald was born Feb. 23, 1941, in Wayne, W. Va. He graduated from Logan High School in Logan, W. Va., in 1960.
Donald married his longtime sweetheart, Dolores, on May 19, 1964, while on 10 days leave from boot camp.
He was drafted by the United States Army in March of 1964. He completed basic training at Fort Knox, Ken., and Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., until September 1965, when he received orders for Vietnam. He served with the First Infantry Division from 1965-1966 as a demolition expert and achieved the rank of E-4. After returning home from Vietnam, he was honorably discharged in March of 1966.
After being discharged from the Army, he and his growing family settled in Kirtland, Ohio, where he lived for 36 years before moving to Chardon, where he spent the last 24 years.
Donald worked for Sandy Metal Products in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1959-1966, minus the two years he honorably served our country. He worked for Lincoln Electric from 1966 until retiring due to health reasons in 1985. He was also a small business owner.
He was an avid reader and loved bluegrass music. He spent many years restoring and painting old cars. He loved fishing with his friends on Lake Erie and traveling to West Virginia for annual deer hunting trips. He loved traveling to Florida for the winters.
Donald spent the last 11 years living with his daughter Alisha and son-in-law, Jeff. He remained pretty independent up until the last three years, when Alisha and Jeff became his primary caregivers. It was a blessing that he could be surrounded by loved ones for the remaining years of his life. He brought so much joy and laughter to our lives.
We would like to recognize Donald’s cousins, Ronnie (Jan) Davis, Phyllis Davis, Brenda (Don) Canfield and Larry (Dot) Spence, who regularly coordinated cousin days. He always looked forward to these gatherings and loved you all so much.
We would also like to recognize lifelong friends Pete (Jeanie) McPeak and Russ Miller, who faithfully visited and called Don up until his death. He loved and cherished your friendships so much.
Finally, we would like to thank his home healthcare nurse, Debbie Koch, with Enhance Rehabilitation Services, who took such good care of him. He always looked forward to your visits and considered you a friend.
Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2026, at The Original Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Nov. 7, 2026, at 12:30 p.m.
Burial will follow at Kirtland South Cemetery, 10444 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, Ohio.
There will be a reception from 3-5 p.m. at Beans Coffee Shop & Bistro, 121 Main St., Chardon, to celebrate Donald’s life. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Donald’s life.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Original Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
