Obituary of Donald R. Davis

Donald Davis, of State College, died, Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Foxdale Village. He was born in Berwick, on October 23, 1928, to Stanley and Helen Hill Davis. His childhood was filled with happiness and satisfaction, including a great gang of guys, marching and concert band, YMCA dances every week, bikes, and special friends. Don attended Susquehanna University, which was special to him because he knew more than half the students. He felt, sometimes, like he majored in bridge, tennis, and intramural sports, but he was a chemistry major who met and fell in love with his beloved Nelda Shafer. He transferred to Lehigh University after his junior year, graduating with a degree in chemistry in 1951, but Nelda and he continued their "long distance" romance and were married on June 14, 1952 (what he considered the greatest day of his life)! His work life started at Gulf Oil, where he was a research chemist. He was drafted in 1954, and his time in the army included stints at Ft. Knox, Oakland, CA and Heidelberg, Germany. He and Nelda thrived on travel, and the time in the service was made beautiful by the scenery from their room overlooking the Neckar River, and trips to Switzerland, Italy, France, England, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Lynne was born 7 months after he was discharged from the army, and Leslie was born almost 7 years after Lynne. His world, according to Don, was infinitely better because of their love, as well as his bond with their husbands, Michel Jackson and Lee Byron, and with his terrific grandchildren, Morgan Jackson and Keara Byron. Don discovered that his purpose in life was to express kindness and concern to people, which he did through the Presbyterian ministry, where he served two parishes, and then through the campus ministry at Penn State for 21 years. Don served as the part-time pastor of the Diakonia Presbyterian Church in State College. Race and poverty issues were the impetus for helping to start a day care center and an interfaith discussion group focused on racial discrimination in Shippensburg, and a food bank and counseling ministry in State College. His life was devastated in August, 2007, when it was discovered that Nelda had inoperable kidney cancer. She died in January, 2008, and his life became varying shades of gray. The light returned with the visits of his daughters and their families, the continuing love of friends, and support from members of the Foxdale Community where he lived. It has been especially brightened by his special friend, Helen Love, who made time into special moments to be treasured. Don wanted to express thanks to all of you for sharing your love with him - the essence of life itself. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Foxdale Village auditorium, 500 E. Marylyn Ave, State College. People are encouraged to share memories. Dessert reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Foxdale Village Employee Education Fund, Attention Sophie Penney, Director of Development, Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Ave. State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.