Claude R. Davis 1920-2012

DAVIS WADDELL SEIBERT

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/24/2012 at 18:20:26

Sioux City Journal
November 05, 2012

SIOUX CITY | Claude R. Davis, 92, of Sioux City passed away Nov. 3, 2012, at a local hospital, surrounded by family and close friends.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Morningside Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.

Claude was born Nov. 3, 1920, in Aurelia, Iowa, to Arvin and Leota (Waddell) Davis. He attended the University of Iowa for two years where he was a pharmacy major. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he as a Pharmacist's Mate First Class. After the war, he attended Morningside College and graduated in May 1948.

He married Helen Seibert on Aug. 26, 1948, in Sioux City. They were married 50 years and had one daughter, Debby. Helen preceded him in death on Jan. 15, 1999.

Claude was a teacher at Hinton Community Schools during the early 1950s and later worked as a pharmaceutical salesman for G.D. Searle for over 30 years. After retirement, he worked for SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives).

As a member of First Baptist Church, Claude was an usher and served on the Board of Deacons. After First Baptist closed, Claude began attending Morningside Lutheran Church. He enjoyed greeting people and being an usher. The last 13 years of his life, he enjoyed a close companionship with Ruby Martin. Ruby's family added an element of fun and adventure to Claude's life such as the time he jumped off a ski lift during a Colorado trip.

Claude was an avid golfer and Iowa football fan. He liked to travel and loved spending time with family and friends. Claude was known for telling stories and jokes as well as his optimism and warm, friendly, outgoing demeanor. He treasured the lasting friendships he established as a member of the YMCA.

Survivors include a daughter, Debby and Eric Berthelsen; grandchildren, Anne Berthelsen and Andrew Berthelsen; companion, Ruby Martin; Ruby's children, Sue and Patrick Kenney and Scott Martin; and close friend and brother-in-law, William and Ann Seibert.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in Claude's name to Hospice of Siouxland or the Humane Society.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Siouxland and the 5th floor nurses and staff at St. Luke's Regional medical Center.