Carl A. Davis

Carl was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston on the 28th of September 1933, to Martha and W. A. Davis. He attended Lanier Junior High and Lamar High School. Likely football was his favorite subject, playing on the Redskin team. Carl graduated from the University of Houston in three and a half years while working 40 hours a week, hence his work ethic.

While at the University of Houston, Carl and Lois met, fell in love, married 14 months later and began their lives together. After graduation Carl had a 2-year stint in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Then being honorable discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1957.

Carl and Lois then returned to Houston and Carl plunged into the Oil patch world. His father had begun Davis-Lynch earlier and Carl joined his father in the business of oil tool manufacturing. The company became Carl’s passion.

In 1958, Lois and Carl were blessed with the birth of Donna, followed by the arrival of sister Charlotte three years later.

In connection with his love of all things oil patch, he was a member of the Petroleum Club of Houston, National Oil-Equipment Manufacturers and Delegates Society (NOMADS), where he served as President, American Petroleum Institute (API), Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME), and National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA).

While at Saint Thomas' Episcopal Church for 20 years, Carl served on the Vestry and on the School Board of Saint Thomas' Episcopal School. In 2001, Carl and Lois felt called to Our Lady of Walsingham and were received into the Catholic church which became their home.

When confirmed in the Church, Father James Moore gave Carl the confirmation name “Joseph” because he had become a spiritual father to many in the community, even before he himself had been confirmed. He served on the Finance Committee of the church and as an Usher at the Principal Mass, so enjoyed welcoming visitors and parishioners alike.

He also served on the Finance Council of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter. He has been very supportive of Catholic New Creation, a halfway house for prisoners adjusting to the outside world. Carl was devoutly pro-life, pro-Constitution and loyal to the core.

You never had to wonder where Carl stood on important issues. Carl and Lois were humbled to be honorees at the University of Saint Thomas Mardi Gras Ball a few years ago that raises funds for scholarships. In addition, they have set up several chairs at Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation in memory of Lois’ parents.

Preceded in death by his parents, Martha and W.A Davis, Carl is survived by his loving wife, Lois, of 66 years, daughters Donna Davis Tonahill (Smith) and Charlotte Davis Laker (Tom), sister Marian Davis Florsheim (Bowen), and sister-in-law Candy Riley. Carl had a special relationship with Candy, having served as a father figure to her after the untimely death of her own father. Additionally, he is survived by four grandchildren: Jessica Tonahill, Davis Laker, Joseph Tonahill, and Audrey Laker Madigan (Ryan), three great-grandchildren: Nora Tonahill, Harper Hawkins, and Oliver Tonahill, nieces Christina Raymond (David), Elizabeth Keeler (John), Mary Theresa Delano, Ann Marie Fredland (Nick), and Amanda Florsheim.

Evensong for the Faithful Departed will be offered on Friday the 7th of January, at six o’clock in the evening at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane in Houston with the Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey N. Steenson, Ordinary Emeritus, giving the homily. A reception will immediately follow in Saint Jude Hall, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, TX 77055.

A Pontifical Requiem Mass will be offered on Saturday the 8th of January, at eleven o’clock in the morning at the Cathedral by the Most Reverend Steven J. Lopes, Bishop of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter with the Very Reverend Charles A. Hough, Rector and Pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, giving the homily.

Burial will take place in the Churchyard of the Annunciation, followed by a luncheon reception at the Chancery.

Those wishing to make a donation in Carl’s memory may do so at the following:

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, Texas 77055; University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006; Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, 1707 Sunset Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005.