LaVern Davis

Services for LaVern Davis will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. The family will receive friends before the service at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Chariton Cemetery. A luncheon and a time of fellowship will be held at the funeral home following the burial.

Please make memorial checks payable to the First United Methodist Church in Chariton.

You may view LaVern's service through the following livestream link: https://my.gather.app/remember/lavern-davis-2022

As the snow fell Nov. 27, 1927, Leslie LaVern Davis was born to Russell and Nina (Sutton) Davis at their farm on the Millerton corner. LaVern was raised on a farm in rural Chariton, alongside his siblings: Norma, Glen, and Charlene. As a boy, LaVern attended school in a one-room country schoolhouse. He attended Chariton High School and continued working with his father on the farm.

On Feb. 15, 1945, LaVern enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Growing up during the Great Depression and fighting in World War II made LaVern one of "The Greatest Generation." He was stationed on the USS Chicago (CA-136), a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, which departed in February 1945 for Norfolk. LaVern spent much of his time aboard the destroyer in the Sea of Japan. He was honorably discharged Dec. 12, 1947.

LaVern married the love of his life, Lois Mae Anderson, Oct. 23, 1949. While he was in the service, Lois would write him letters frequently to keep his spirits up. The couple were blessed with two children, Steve and Debbie.

LaVern worked for the Lucas County Telephone Company and Contel for 30 years. He enjoyed retirement for the last 46 years. In his retirement, LaVern enjoyed square dancing at local country jams with Lois. He also loved to spend time outdoors, mowing and tending to his flower and vegetable gardens. LaVern always kept an impressive vegetable garden and especially loved growing tomatoes.

Attending his grandkids' sporting events was a great highlight for LaVern. He was there cheering them on every chance he got. He was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.

LaVern and Lois were active members of the First United Methodist Church in Chariton. They were very close to their church community and looked forward to church every Sunday.

LaVern passed away March 7, 2022. He will be dearly missed by his children: Steve (Debbie Evans) Davis, Debbie (John) Sullivan, and Sherry McClaskie; six grandchildren: Shelly (Todd) Chapman, Amy (Cory) Swigart, Marcus Davis, Lance (Jaci) Sullivan, Ashley (Chris) Latta, and Leslie (Nate) Roush; 13 great-grandchildren: Abby (Zach) Lockman, Drew (Dakota) Derringer, Danica Derringer, Jake Chapman, Cara Swigart, Lily Swigart, Mallory Sullivan, Hayden Sullivan, Savannah Latta, Elise Latta, Cole Roush, Stella Roush, and Genevieve Roush; five great-great-grandchildren: Sayge, Kameron, Blaise, Arabella, and Kolson; his sister-in-law, Anna Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

LaVern was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; parents, Russell and Nina Davis; siblings: Norma Mason, Glen Davis, and Charlene Stephens; and daughter-in-law, Debra Sue Davis.