Colonel Charles E. Davis, U.S. Army Retired

Colonel Charles E. Davis, U.S. Army Retired, passed away on August 6, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born in Springfield, Illinois on June 13, 1921, the son of Jesse Herbert Davis and Ruth Pearl (Bennett). He married Esther Marie Marcketti September 5, 1942, who preceded him in death in 2004. He was also preceded in death by both parents and an infant son, Timothy Davis. After graduating from Springfield High School, Charlie attended the Southeast Missouri State College before enlisting as a Private in the U.S. Army in 1942. Within 4 months, he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, serving in three campaigns in the European Theater during WWII. His Company provided support to the Normandy beachhead several days after the initial invasion. He served as Platoon Leader HQ Company, Combat Command A 9th Armored Division, participated in the Battle of the Bulge, and was attached to Pattons 4th Armored Division in the Siege of Bastogne. He then continued with the 9th Armored securing the Ramagen Bridge and continued through Central Germany. Following WWII, Charlie was with the 4th Armored Division, US Constabulary and the 2nd Armored Division in West Germany. He served as an Action Officer at the Pentagon for four years. He also served two tours in Vietnam with the Military Assistance Advisory Group. He was particularly active in Army Logistics, serving successively as Chief, Logistics Systems and Doctrine, US Army Europe and Commanding Officer, Department of the Army, Logistics Systems and Readiness Agency. He served as G4 for Logistics in Vietnam and as Commander of Quinhon Support Command, and finished his career as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics in the US Continental Army Command. During his distinguished military career, Colonel Davis received numerous decorations and awards including: Distinguished Service Medal, four Legion of Merit Medals, Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, WWII Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve, two Republic of Vietnam Service Medals, Army Occupation Award, Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, Republic of Vietnam Campaign RVN60, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, US Army General Staff and 4 Europe, Africa, ME Theater Medals. He retired from the military in 1973. Both during and after his army career, Charlie pursued his education and acquired numerous degrees and certificates including: Southeast Missouri State College, Springfield Junior College, University of Maryland, Sangamon State University (UIS), Lincoln Land Community College, US Army War College, US Army Command & General Staff College, Armed Forces Staff College, US Army French Language School, and MIT Engineering studies. After his military retirement, he was employed by the State of Illinois, served on the Board of Catholic Charities, was a member of the Springfield Rotary Club (with Paul Harris awards), and was an 82-year member of the Springfield YMCA. Charlie lived his life with pride, respect, and dignity, serving his country and community. One grandchild and one great-grandchild followed in his military footsteps. He often said, "A day with nothing new learned is a day wasted." His constant smile, compliments and humor became his trademark. Charlie loved American history - in his travels, he always stopped at Historical Markers (to the dismay of his children). He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his three children: Carolyn "Kerry" (John) Vanderhoof of Overland Park, KS, Gayle (Thomas) Swoik of Springfield, IL, and Jeffrey L. Davis of Las Vegas, NV; five grandchildren, Thomas "TJ" Swoik, Jr. and Jaime Swoik Linderman, both of Springfield, IL, Susan (Jeffrey) Hartnett of Alpharetta, GA, Michael (Lawra) Vanderhoof of Grand Junction, CO, and Sara (Patrick) Krepps of Kailua Kona, HI; six great-grandchildren: Madalyn and Charlie Linderman, Lysle and Layne Hartnett, and Eade and Hanna Vanderhoof. Arrangements were provided by Butler Funeral Homes. A private family ceremony was conducted with burial and full military honors at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to military charities such as Folds of Honor, Independence Fund, or Wounded Warriors.