Ralph “Toby” Dale Davis

1927 -2023

 

     Ralph “Toby” Dale Davis, 95 of Keokuk, IA died Monday, June 5, 2023 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital in Ft. Madison, IA.

     He was born July 10, 1927 in Centerville, IA the son of Lawrence and Mildred Newland Davis. 

     Ralph was a veteran of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. 

     On October 7, 1950 Ralph was united in marriage to Peggy Percival in Keokuk.  She preceded him in death on June 12, 2020.

     Ralph had been employed at several businesses in the area, including Thomas Trucking, Midwest Carbide and Industrial Engineering. 

     He was a member of the Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Keokuk.  He was also a member of the Eagles Club.

     Ralph enjoyed motorcycle riding, dancing, golfing and traveling.  Ralph and Peggy had traveled extensively throughout the United Sates and they had made a trip to California every summer for twenty-two years.  He was a gardener with a green thumb and grew large vegetable and flower gardens every year.   He was a talented leatherworker and enjoyed creating beautiful items.

     He is survived by two sons, Mike Phillips Davis (Refina) of Patterson, CA and Steve “Gus” Davis (Diana) of Hamilton, IL, one daughter, Debbie Miller (Ron) of Keokuk, fourteen grandchildren, Melissa Hilleby (Manes), Michele Presnell (Jason), Mike Phillips (Jeanette), Toby Davis, Steve Davis, Ron Miller (Risse), Jacob Davis (Kate), Matthew Davis (Lexie Shipley), Cory Long (Teressa), Heather Brown (Nate), Meghan Kavanagh, Matthew Nelson, Kelsey Washburn, and Isaac Malloy, fourteen great-grandchildren, Ella, Chase, Alex, Aaron, Mia, Aiden, Eli, Ezra, twins, Asher and Asa, Zoe, Lincoln and Justien.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and close friends, John and Kathy Happs.

     Besides his wife, he was also preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Davis, his mother, Mildred Rifenbery, his son, Lawrence “Larry” Davis, two brothers, Ray Davis and Donnie Davis in infancy, and one sister, Mary Lou Buffington.

     A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Larry Wallingford officiating.  Burial with military rites will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m., Monday at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to the Disables Veteran of America.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com