John Shelby Davis

John Shelby Davis passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Northern Oaks Living Center in Abilene. He was 93 years of age. John Shelby was born in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 10, 1920, to Horace S. Davis and Effie Jones. He moved to Abilene at the age of seven after the death of his mother. He lived with his grandmother until 1930 when his dad married Mattie Lou Smith.

In 1937 at age 17, John Shelby joined the Civilian Conservation Corp where he was stationed in Arizona. In September of 1939, he entered the Army National Guard where he served until November 25, 1940, when he was mobilized into the U. S. Army. John Shelby went through basic training at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas. In November of 1941, he was shipped overseas to serve his country in WWII. On January 11, 1942, the Japanese army captured him at the Fall of Java where he was a prisoner of war for the next three years and six months. John Shelby was liberated on September 24, 1945, when he was sent to the Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. He received his Honorable Discharge on July 8, 1946. He was a member of the 131st Field Artillery, E Battery, 2nd Battalion of the 36th Division. During his time of service, John Shelby Davis was awarded five Bronze Stars from the U.S. Army.

John Shelby Davis made his home in Fort Worth, Texas, where he retired from North Texas Steel Co, Inc. His parents, his sister, LaVaughn Wales, and three wives preceded him in death. He is survived by one step-daughter, Joan Broom of Georgia, two brothers, Curtis E. Davis and wife, Sarah, of Abilene, Robert H. Davis of Pryor, Oklahoma, and one sister, Mary Ann Niedecken of Pensacola, Florida.

Graveside services will be held at Texas State Veterans Cemetery on West Lake Road in Abilene, Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com