Howard Davis' Obituary
Howard Davis, age 90, of Centerville, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, July 13, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of hard work, lasting friendships, and a legacy built one project-and one conversation-at a time.
Born on November 29, 1935, in Plano, Iowa, Howard was the son of Ray and Mary (Kirkland) Davis. He graduated from Seymour High School with the Class of 1954. Among his favorite memories from those years was being in the FFA and a member of the legendary 1953 Seymour Warriors football team, which completed an undefeated season-a distinction he carried with pride throughout his life.
On January 14, 1967, Howard married the love of his life, Joy Burgher. Together they built a home centered on faith in one another, hard work, and family. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Kenney and Kirk, who became the greatest source of his pride.
Howard's work ethic was second to none. For five decades, he owned and operated a successful soil contracting business, becoming a familiar sight atop his Caterpillar bulldozer throughout Appanoose County and the surrounding communities. Whether carving out ponds, shaping farmland, or moving countless yards of earth, Howard left a lasting mark on the landscape and earned a reputation for doing the job right. Even after retiring from the dozer, he wasn't ready to slow down. He found his second love by raising Tarentaise Angus cattle, finding great satisfaction in caring for his herd and the land he loved.
If there was one thing Howard enjoyed as much as working, it was visiting with people. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Friends and neighbors knew they could always count on a warm greeting, a good story, or a friendly chat whenever Howard was around.
A devoted sports fan, Howard rarely missed the opportunity to cheer on athletes at every level. He especially enjoyed following high school and college sports, but some of his greatest joy came from watching his great nieces compete and celebrating their accomplishments from the stands and he loved watching his grandchildren in anything participated in.
Howard was proud to be baptized and a member of the Centerville Faith Church.
Left to honor Howard's memory are his wife of 59 years, Joy Davis; his sons, Kenney Davis and Kirk (Abby) Davis; his grandchildren, Joel Davis, Clay Davis, Mackenzie (Jay) Peter, and Joe Davis; his sister-in-law, Jessie Davis; as well as several extended family members and friends.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Mary Davis; his brothers, Everett (Joane) Davis and Richard Davis; and his niece, Margie Davis.
Per wishes, cremation has been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM, Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Centerville Faith Church with Pastor Ryan McClouth officiating. Visitation will take place from 10-11AM, Thursday, July 16, 2026 at the Centerville Faith Church. Burial will take place at Mt. Ararat Cemetery, east of Centerville. Memorials have been established to the Indian Hills Community College, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Davis Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
To view the livestream of Howard's service, please click the link below or visit: https://my.gather.app/remember/howard-davis-jul-2026
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