John Davol

Born in Brooklyn, NY December 6, 1917, John was the second son of Frank H. Davol Jr. and Hayes Rizbah Thomson. A graduate of The Gunnery School, Washington Connecticut, and a history major at Yale, he moved to Harlingen, TX, soon after graduating from Yale to work at a cotton seed oil mill. The connection to Texas was formed during his younger years, and to Austin specifically by his mother, a native of Austin and Rio Grande Street.

At a party in Austin, John met his future sister-in-law, Eleanor Critchlow Drake, who directed him to her sister, Dorothy Jane Critchlow, of Sewickley, PA. They were married on April 6, 1940. They lived in Harlingen until moving to Stamford, CT, in 1945 where John worked for an accounting firm in New York City. Ever the scholar, John attended night school to qualify for the CPA exam. Daughter Elisabeth (Betty) Hayes and son Stephen (Steve) Critchlow were born in Harlingen, thus able to be the only "real" Texans in this family. Daughter Jacquelyn (Jackie) Thomson was unfortunate to have to claim Stamford, CT, as her city of birth.

In 1948, John moved the family back to Texas, to live in Austin. He worked for Jack Stableford Pontiac on North Lamar briefly before joining Calcasieu Lumber Company, rising to the ranks of Vice President and CFO during his 33-year tenure. He also served many years as a member of the board of directors for City National Bank before it became part of First City National Bank of Houston.

In retirement, John and Dorothy traveled often to visit family and friends After the loss of his beloved Dorothy in 2005, John continued his explorations, always beginning, of course, with his neighborhood.

John had taken up jogging (and later walking) in his 50s, eventually becoming known in his neighborhood as the "can-man." Even before recycling became de rigueur, John was often seen at Mt. Bonnell with his trusty dog, Bart, picking up cans, and donating the proceeds to those who needed them more than he. Though his near daily walks gradually decreased in length, John never failed to stop and greet any new face to ask who they were, and where they lived, just to learn who his neighbors were. Garnering the friendship of all who lived around him, it was especially the pretty ladies who got the most attention. He was teased often about his new girl friends in the neighborhood, especially by his good California friend, Chee.

John, the historian by college degree, met every new person in the neighborhood, was always interested in their work, where they located from, their families, always ready for good conversations over an evening drink. This was a habit John had with his family as well as friends, always ready to listen and encourage. One of his favorite persons to discuss the world was his neighbor, Bishop John McCarthy, whom he had met while walking. Always the gentlemen, friend John McCarthy, leaning to the left politically, and John Davol, leaning to the right, could still enjoy each other, trying their hardest to convince the man five feet away to come over from their perception of the "dark" side. Neither man succeeded in 31 years to budge the other from their beliefs, but always parting as friends.

Numbers and history were always easy for John. He enjoyed each equally passionately and was well versed in both. When he recounted his early years visiting Austin, the way Austin was in those years, there were hardly any around who could contradict him. Usually, when checked by known historical fact, he was seldom incorrect.

John was not one who sought the public spotlight, nor was it shone upon him except among those who knew him. Never the Mayor, never the CEO, never the professor at UT, this man was respected by all he met and often counseled with those whose lights shone brightest. He was loved by family and friends alike for the interesting, generous, caring person he was. He had been taught to listen well by his mother, and he had an attentive ear for all whose paths crossed his.

The family would like to thank all the care givers that have helped Dad in the past few months, most notably, Vincent Dodd, Bruce Duncan, the ladies from Nurses Case Management, Anna Champion, Ashton Thorn, and Rickie Gardner.

John is survived by his sister, Phebe Wallace of Longmeadow, MA, her children and numerous grands and greats. Also surviving are his two daughters, Elisabeth Tipton, Jacquelyn Cheshire and her husband George, and son Stephen Davol, wife Jill. He is survived by his nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren: Michael Tipton, wife Jennifer, their three children, Christopher, Katherine, Margaret; John Tipton, daughters Georgia and Anna; Sandy Tipton; Amy Davol Sheffield and husband John, children, Sydney, John, and Merritt; Trent Davol, wife Zoey and daughters Paloma and Margaret; Steven Cheshire, wife Julie and daughter Luna; Diane DiCarlo, husband Brad, their children, Zachary, and Isabella; Daniel Cheshire and wife Briane; and Thomas Cheshire and wife Aleksandra.

Others to survive John were the sons and daughters of his older brother, Rector and his younger brother, Donald.

Those who predeceased him include his mother, Hayes, father, Frank, brothers Rector and Donald, and his son-in-law, Delaine Tipton.

(NMN)? And always proud of it, "No Middle Name".

But, we can talk about that later.

The family will gather with friends at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, on Saturday April 23 between 4:00 – 6:00.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor John's memory, donations to the Settlement Home, 1600 Payton Gin RD, Austin, 78758 or the charity of your choice will be appreciated.