Leonard Wayne Davis 1925-2012

CHRISTENSEN, DAVIS, MCDANIEL, WILSON, BRUCE, WENSEL

Posted By: Curtis (email)
Date: 3/2/2012 at 21:58:46

DEATH NOTICE:

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa February 15, 2012)

DAVIS, Leonard Wayne, 86, of Orange, California, died on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, in Orange California, surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Morning Star Christian Chapel, in Whittier, California. Interment was held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, in Cypress, California.

(The Leon Journal-Reporter Leon, Iowa February 15, 2012)

LEONARD WAYNE DAVIS ... Leonard Wayne Davis, 86, went home to spend eternity with Jesus on January 24, 2012, Orange, CA, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 22, 1925 in Grand River, Iowa to Marie [Christensen] and Von Davis. He and his twin brother Lyle were raised on their grandparents farm. They attended a one-room school, graduating with perfect attendance and the Iowa Honor Student Award. Leonard strived for excellence in everything he did. Sometimes he walked five miles to attend Leon High School, graduating in 1943.

On August 23, 1944 he joined the United States Coast Guard serving as a Merchant Marine in World War II. His tour of duty took him through the South Pacific. A memory he often shared, was of the time his ship was stuck in a mud bank in the Philippines. During this time all they had to eat was rice and because of this he would never eat rice or allow it on his plate. His last tour of duty was to Greece. He was honorably discharged on April 9, 1946.

Leonard and Jean [McDaniel], his high-school sweetheart, were married at a Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. He worked as a mechanic in Leon and later opened an auto parts store in Corydon, Iowa. His favorite hobby was building and racing cars on several local tracks. In February of 1954 Leonard and Jean moved to California. He worked as a mechanic at local dealerships. He started working for the Los Angeles Times as a mechanic on their large fleet of trucks in 1957 and later became manager of the new orange County Garage. He retired from the Times in 1990.

On December 12, 1962 Leonard and Jean became proud parents of a son, Bruce.

Leonard loved fishing in Mexico and made many friends there. He loved to travel and spend time at their vacation home in Havasu Landing, CA. He was a huge fan of motorcycle trails and enjoyed some 30 plus years watching his son and later his grand kids ride and compete.

Leonard was a loving , honest, dedicated, hard-working man and truly loved and enjoyed his family. He lived a full life and was very loved by family and friends. While he will be missed, great comfort can be taken in knowing hi is now at home with the Lord.

He is survived by Jean, his devoted wife of 65 years; son, Bruce; daughter-in-law, Cheryl; grandchildren, Reid, Jackie and Michelle; great-granddaughter, Isabella; two sister-in-laws, Pauline Davis and Carolyn Wilson; brother-in-laws, Jack McDaniel and Roy Wilson; nieces and nephews; along with a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Von Davis and Marie Bruce; stepfather Lyn Bruce; brother, Lyle Davis; sister-in-law, Lois Wensel; brother-in-law, Dwight Wensel, D.O.