Davis, Tom P. – 1875-1949

DAVIS, DIXON, ENGELDINGER, GIBSON, STRATTON

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:33

Tom P. Davis Dies Last Night
Prominent Newton Man Passes Away Following A Five Weeks Illness
Tom P. Davis, 73, prominent Newton resident, died at the Skiff Memorial hospital at 11 o’clock last night following an illness of five weeks. Mr. Davis suffered a series of heart attacks and strokes at the time and after he entered the hospital. Despite his age he carried on a courageous but futile fight to regain his health.
Well known throughout Jasper county and the state, Mr. Davis operated a restaurant in Newton for a number of years. Prior to moving to Newton in 1918, he operated a café in Colfax for about 15 years. While in the café business here his son, Tom D., was associated with him. Since 1939 he has been state café and hotel inspector.
An energetic and friendly man, Mr. Davis enjoyed a full and varied life. In addition to his café operations and his position as state inspector, he took a whirl at politics in Jasper county in 1938 when he sought the county treasurer office on the Republican ticket. With the popularity of the Democratic party and its head, the late Franklin D. Roosevelt, he suffered the fate of not being elected as did many others on the Republican ticket.
Never one to sit idly by, Mr. Davis’ personality, ambition and loyalty, prompted state officials to choose him for the position as café and hotel inspector, a position he held until his death.
The Davis café in Newton discontinued operations the day following Pearl Harbor, Dec. 8, 1941, after 23 years of successful operation.
Older Jasper county residents will recall Mr. Davis as an able baseball umpire many years ago, particularly when Newton and Colfax baseballers tangled. His officiating and ability to understand people provided many an afternoon of entertainment for the ball fans.
Born in Wales, Oct. 12, 1875 he came to Jasper county 62 years ago with his parents settling in Colfax. He attended the Colfax schools. In 1902 he was married to Inez Dixon of Colfax, who survives.
Survivors include the widow; three daughters, Mrs. H. E. Stratton, Newton; Mrs. O. N. Gibson, San Francisco, Cal.; Mrs. H. Y. Engeldinger, Des Moines, and one son, Tom D. Davis, division sales-manager for Vernon Co., Newton.
Also surviving are six grandchildren, Howard Stratton Jr., Newton; Jocelyn Gibson, San Francisco; H. Y. Engeldinger Jr., and Mary Engeldinger, Des Moines and Tom and Dick Davis, Newton.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the Morgan Funeral Home with Rev. J. Wesley Pierson, pastor of the Congregational church, officiating. Burial will be in the Newton Union cemetery. (obituary included a photo)
Source: Newton Daily News; Thursday, May 5, 1949