September 10, 1920 ~ April 19, 2019
Ivan Leland Davis died in Winfield, Kansas at the VA Home on Good Friday, April 19, 2019 at the age of 98.
Ivan Leland Davis was born September 10, 1920 in rural Milan, Kansas the fourth child of Harry Leroy Davis and Lealia Leona (Swan) Davis. He grew up on the family farm, graduated from the Argonia Kansas High School, was drafted into the US Army, made 2 invasions during WWII, returned to the US after spending time in Japan and received an Honorable Discharge. He then pursued a career as an electrician in the Wichita area where he met his future bride at a dance. On October 9, 1954 he married Pauline Fae Medearis McPurdy. They settled on a farm near Argonia with his three step- children, Richard McPurdy, Patrick McPurdy and Roberta McPurdy where he farmed and did custom work.
Ivan’s excitement of the birth of his first child became even greater, when he got the mumps and the time was very near. So plans were made for the Doctor from Argonia to take the mother to be to the Wellington Hospital for the delivery when the time came. On April 8, 1958 his daughter Beverly Ann Davis Harwood was born in their rural home just as the Doctor arrived. Ivan and family moved to Coyville, Kansas where he drove a gas transport truck and did janitorial work in several offices until his retirement. He traveled to many parts of the country to his Army buddies’ reunions, loved to dance and if there was a dance within easy driving distance he was there. As his eye sight declined his dear dance friends would take him. His sight loss also brought about a new mode of transportation, his bicycle. He entered the VA Home in Winfield, Kansas in 2012 where he kept on the move be it when he walked the halls singing or riding his three wheeled bike throughout the complex.
He is survived by his granddaughter, Retta Harwood; nieces, Diane Adams, Leila Hine, Agnes Purdy, Patty Tracy; nephews, Dan Davis, Rich Davis, Gary Davis, Kenneth Davis and Robert Davis; numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Beverly Davis Harwood and a niece Mary Davis Phillips.
Memorials may be given in Ivan's name to the Argonia Friends Church, 202 N. Pine, Argonia, Kansas 67004, or they may be left in care of the mortuary.
A memorial graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Floyds Chapel, Argonia Cemetery, Argonia, Kansas.
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Rest Ivan, until you hear at
Harry Simpson - 04/23/2019
Rest Ivan, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
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Uncle Ivan always had a good
Rich Davis - 04/23/2019
Uncle Ivan always had a good story about his early life, military service in WW II, installing some of the first air conditioners in Wichita, driving fast in Studebakers, taking care of the Court House in Fredonia and dancing with all the ladies in Altoona. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace!
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