Dwight Arnold Davis

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dwight Arnold Davis, affectionately known as "Pappaw," who entered his Heavenly Home peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Dwight was born in Elgin, Texas on September 29, 1941 to Lillian (Evans) and Ben Davis. He grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from Ray High School in 1959. Dwight then attended his beloved Baylor University where he met Marlene Hartmann. Dwight was a devoted husband to Marlene , his lifelong partner of 61 years. After he graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor of Arts, the couple was married in August of 1963. They moved back to Corpus where he earned a second Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Texas A&I University in Kingsville. During their years in Corpus Christi, Dwight and Marlene had many happy times together. It was in Corpus that they started their family and began building a life filled with cherished friendships and shared experiences. In 1975, the couple moved to Austin where they built a warm and welcoming home filled with laughter, love, and countless memories.

Those who knew Dwight will remember him as a man of great faith and character, with a heart as generous as his smile. Those who had the privilege to know him well will cherish his quick wit and dry sense of humor. He was always ready with a clever quip or a lively comeback. He was a member of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin for 50 years where he served as a deacon and a leader for several youth organizations within the church. He was a generous man who regularly gave to causes near to his heart such as the Shriners, Special Olympics and The South Texas Children’s Home.

Dwight was not only a loving family man but also a successful subcontractor whose expertise in masonry left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Austin. He moved to Austin in 1975 to join his father and uncle in the family business, Davis Masonry. After many successful years with Davis Masonry, he and his partners formed Tejano Construction. Over the years, Dwight oversaw the masonry work on several signifi cant buildings in Austin and the surrounding areas, ensuring that his commitment to quality and detail was evident in every structure that bore his touch. His work ethic and dedication to his craft earned him respect and admiration throughout the construction industry. He was an active member and received numerous accolades and awards from the Central Texas Masonry Association, the Masonry Contractors Association of America, the Texas Masonry Council and the Associated General Contractors of America.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dwight's warmth and generosity made him a mentor to many young masons, whom he guided with patience and wisdom. His legacy in the fi eld of masonry is as enduring as the bricks he expertly laid, and his spirit will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Dwight Arnold Davis leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. His gentle spirit and the profound impact he had on those around him will forever be treasured. He is survived by his wife, Marlene, his two children: son Brian (Rachelle) Davis of Magnolia, Texas and daughter Shelley (Brian) Kozma of Lampasas, Texas, his three cherished grandchildren, Katelin, Kellie and Connor Kozma who lovingly called him "Pappaw”, his sister Bennye Jane Arnold of Corpus Christi, his son in love Mauricio Paiz-Merino of Bogata, Colombia, sisters-in- law Miriam Schubert, Janet (Allen) Cumbie, Becky Hartmann and countless beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Lillian Davis and his brother and sister-in-law Duane and Mary Davis. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time.

A celebration of Dwight’s life will be held at Hyde Park Baptist Church (3901 Speedway, Austin, TX 78751) in the Chapel on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to make a donation in Dwight’s memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to the South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville, Texas or any charity of your choice.