Richard E. Davis Sr.

February 13, 1930-June 23, 2010

Residence: Greeley

Richard was born in Waterville, Kansas to Lewie and Lily Davis. His early years were spent in Waterville until the family moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Rich graduated from Topeka High School and then worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until joining the Air Force in 1951. He served in the Air Force four years, including a tour of duty in Guam during the Korean War.

Rich was introduced into his drafting profession in the Air Force, and when he returned to Topeka he worked for several civil and mechanical/electrical engineering firms and ran a survey party for seven years. In 1965, Rich and his family moved to Boulder, Colorado, where he worked as an engineer’s assistant at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) until retiring in February, 1992.

Rich and his high school sweetheart, Verlo A. Davis, were members of and sang in the choir of Westside Baptist Church in Topeka, where they were married on October 27, 1950. They were active members of Baptist churches in Boulder, and when they moved to Greeley in 2003, they joined First Christian Church and Rich continued his love of singing in the choir.

Rich enjoyed hiking in the foothills and mountains around Boulder, camping with his family, reading and genealogy. He enjoyed traveling, especially to visit family throughout the United States.

Rich passed away June 23, 2010 at Life Care Center in Greeley. He is survived by his wife, Verlo; children Rich Davis, Jr. (Connie) of Greeley, Julie Wolfe (Mike) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Jan Moloney (Michael), Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren Ashley Wolfe Burchette (Nolen), Sean Wolfe, Nathan Wolfe, Heather Davis, Kelly Davis, Katie Moloney and Kari Moloney; and brother Marlin Davis of Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewie and Lily Davis.

A memorial service for Rich will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30 at First Christian Church, 2230 13th St., Greeley, followed by a reception at the church. Inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 2:30 p.m.

Rich was deeply loved and will be missed by his family and many friends. Those who wish to honor his memory may do so by making a contribution to either First Christian Church or to the American Lung Association memorial donation site at http://ala.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?pxfid=14680&pg=fund&fr_id=1080.