Ritchie Truman Davis (RT)

Ritchie attended Charlevoix Public school through the 7th grade. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1955. He was a triple sports participant in basketball, football and track. He held records in the 100 and 220 yard dashes that stood for many years; he was inducted into the wall of fame at Tecumseh High School in 2016. He had fond memories of working for his dad’s asphalt paving business throughout high school and several years after.

He began his career in law enforcement in 1961, with the Ann Arbor Police Department then took a position with the Michigan State University Department of Public Safety.

In 1963, he joined the Michigan State Police and served at Mount Pleasant, Jackson and the Training Division in East Lansing.

In 1970, he was promoted to Corporal and over the next 21 years he served as Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. He was appointed Director (Colonel) in 1987 by the honorable James Blanchard, Governor, and also was a member of his cabinet.

During his career with M.S.P. he was credited as being a visionary who was innovative and forward thinking. He was especially proud of being an original member of the M.S.P. bomb squad, helping to start the first trooper drivers training program and his work to diversify the department membership. He was a graduate of the 101st session of the F.B.I. National Academy and of the 11th session of the F.B.I. National Executive Institute at Quantico, VA.

He was extremely proud of his membership in the Michigan State Police and his first priority was always the welfare of the troopers. Ritchie retired from the Michigan State Police on January 19th, 1991, after 28 years of service.

During his career he earned an associate degree from Lansing Community College, a B.S. degree from Michigan State University and an M.S. degree from Western Michigan University.

In 2016, He was inducted into the wall of fame at the MSU school of Criminal Justice.

After his retirement from the M.S.P he worked for the Michigan Truck Safety Commission, as Project Director, from 1993 to 1999. Following his position for the MTSC, Governor John Engler appointed him as an original member of the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

His family was a high priority and he was so proud of them. As a true Michigander, Ritchie shared his love for the Upper Peninsula, the state's history, fishing, hunting and boating with his family and many friends. His years of hunting with his life long friend Mike Anderson, his sons and grandsons have created stories that will be shared through generations. His Spartan blood remained strong and you could always count on his comment about a recent sports game. Despite his physical limitations as he aged, Ritchie still spent time with friends and family, offering ice cream and pie or (what he did best) sharing the adventures of his life. He was still making people laugh all the way until the end and he will be remembered for all his pranks, the lives he changed, and not only his ability to live life to the fullest, but also to accompany it with a damn good story.

He is survived by the love of his life, his best friend and confidant, his wife Marsha; daughters Lori (Randy) Park, Tammy Russell (Toby Pittman); sons Tim, Tom, Rob (Martha); six grandchildren Joe (Natalia) Boyd, Jessica (John) Conley, Justin Bashore, Noah (Amber) Davis, Reece (Suzy) Davis and Mackenzie Davis; and seven great-grandchildren.

The memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, between the hours of 6 until 8 PM at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing Chapel.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11 AM at the funeral home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM until the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the M.S.P Fallen Troopers Memorial in the memory of Colonel R.T. Davis.

Michigan State Police Troopers Association, 1715 Abbey Rd., Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823. Please make checks payable to: MSTSF-FTM